Celebrities publicly supporting presidential candidates

The 2024 U.S. election has been marked with celebrities encouraging their supporters to vote for the presidential candidate of their choice. 

Annette Borger-Snel, a professor and program coordinator for Humber’s Public Relations Post-Grad program, said celebrities create awareness, but it is extremely important their fans still do their research. 

“When you make the decision to go and vote that you’re voting for the right issue, the right candidate, or that your values align with theirs,” Borger-Snel said. 

She said this is the part that isn’t discussed, especially with the newer generation of voters. 

With the integration of social media, the newer generation of voters has greater access to information compared to traditional news. Numerous celebrities utilized their platforms to rally support for Harris, aligning with her on issues like reproductive rights, social justice and democracy, which they believe are pivotal in this election. 

It’s a timely exploration of the complex relationship between politics, culture and the people who are idolized. It reveals how one voice, amplified by fame, can reverberate through society — changing lives, careers and, potentially, history. 

Several high-profile celebrities have endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.  

Here are some of the notable figures supporting her: 

Beyoncé, at a Harris rally in Houston, spoke about the importance of the election, advocating for a more united country and endorsing Harris as a candidate who aligns with her vision for the future.  

“I’m not here as a celebrity. I'm not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” Beyoncé said. “A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all our children live in. A world where we have freedom to control our bodies, a world where we are not divided, our past, present, our future merged to meet here.”  

Taylor Swift publicly expressed her support for Harris, emphasizing Harris’ commitment to social justice and women's rights.  

Swift has actively encouraged her fans to vote, highlighting the importance of democratic participation.  

“I’m voting for Harris because she fights for the rights and causes. I believe (we) need a warrior to champion them,” she said.  

Musician John Legend, known for his social activism, openly backed Harris, particularly for her stances on democracy and reproductive rights.  

Legend frequently shares his support on social media, advocating for an inclusive and equitable America under Harris’ leadership.  

Megan Thee Stallion, the rapper, has been vocal in her support, even performing at Harris’ events. 

She has encouraged her fans to vote and voiced her support for Harris’ policies on women’s rights and economic issues. 

“I want to start off by saying, 'Hotties for Harris,' we're about to make history with the first female president, the first Black female president,” she said.  

Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle endorsed Harris after President Joe Biden decided not to run. They have been active in encouraging Americans to support Harris' campaign, drawing on their legacy to rally democratic voters. 

Celebrities who consider themselves supporters of Donald J. Trump in the 2024 presidential election include: 

Elon Musk, billionaire and owner of the social media platform X, publicly endorsed Trump at a rally in Butler, Pa., after the former president's assassination attempt earlier this year.

“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,”  Musk said in a captioned video of that moment.

Kid Rock, an American singer and songwriter, has been a long-time vocal supporter of the Republican party. Recently, he posted a montage video of Trump’s presidential campaign to his socials captioning it "Vote Trump". He also performed his song American Bad Ass at this year’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. 

Hulk Hogan, a well-known retired professional wrestler, surprised many at this year’s RNC by performing his famous t-shirt rip during a speech on stage.

“As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics,” Hogan said. “But after everything that’s happened to our country over the past four years and everything that happened last weekend, I can no longer stay silent.”  

Caitlyn Jenner, an American media personality star who voted against Trump in the last election, is now an avid supporter. Jenner is also quite vocal on her social media platforms like Instagram, posting clips from FOX News.

Recently, she posted a reel with Imagine Dragons’ Whatever It Takes while saying, “If Trump does not get in, I think that’s the end of the country.”