In the whirlwind of the 2024 election, several Hollywood figures have made headlines not for their cinematic feats but for their political outbursts. Their actions have sparked debates, raised eyebrows, and, in some cases, led to public embarrassment. Let’s delve into the stories of five such celebrities.
Robert De Niro: The Unscripted Rant
Renowned for his intense performances, Robert De Niro took his fervor off-screen with a fiery tirade against former President Donald Trump during a May 2024 appearance on “The View.” His expletive-laden outburst was so severe that producers had to censor multiple segments of his speech. While De Niro’s disdain for Trump isn’t new, this particular episode drew criticism for its lack of decorum, leading some to question the appropriateness of such public displays.
Robert De Niro has become as well-known for his scathing verbal attacks on Donald Trump as he is for his iconic roles in Goodfellas and Taxi Driver. Over the years, De Niro has unleashed an unrelenting barrage of insults directed at Trump, calling him everything from “a fool” to “a wanna-be gangster.” His disdain for the former president is palpable and deeply personal, making him one of Hollywood’s most outspoken Trump critics.
One of his most infamous moments came at the 2018 Tony Awards, when De Niro walked onto the stage and declared, “I’m gonna say one thing: F— Trump.” The audience erupted in applause, but the incident sparked heated reactions across the political spectrum. Critics accused him of being divisive, while supporters praised his bravery.
In the years since, De Niro has doubled down on his rhetoric, often taking aim at Trump’s policies, personality, and leadership style. During interviews, he’s likened Trump to a dictator, called him “dangerous,” and even suggested he would punch him if given the chance. His outbursts have extended beyond Trump himself, as De Niro frequently targets Trump’s family and supporters, accusing them of enabling what he views as a disastrous administration.
In 2024, De Niro once again made headlines for an unfiltered tirade during a press appearance, describing Trump as a “real-life nightmare” and blaming him for what De Niro sees as a fractured America. While his fiery comments resonate with many who share his political views, they’ve also led to criticism that De Niro’s approach is more about anger than constructive dialogue.
De Niro’s unflinching candor has solidified his role as a Hollywood figurehead of anti-Trump sentiment. However, his critics argue that his verbal attacks sometimes overshadow his message, making his activism as polarizing as the man he opposes.
George Clooney: The Op-Ed Backlash
Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney ventured into political commentary with a New York Times op-ed suggesting President Joe Biden should reconsider his 2024 re-election bid due to age concerns. While intended as constructive criticism, the piece ignited a feud with Donald Trump, who retaliated by mocking Clooney’s acting career. The public spat drew mixed reactions, with some supporting Clooney’s candidness and others accusing him of overstepping his expertise.
In July 2024, George Clooney, a prominent actor and lifelong Democrat, authored a New York Times op-ed urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, citing concerns over Biden’s performance and vitality. Clooney’s call for new leadership was reportedly influenced by former President Barack Obama, who, according to insiders, was aware of and did not object to Clooney’s planned op-ed.
Clooney’s public appeal intensified debates within the Democratic Party about Biden’s candidacy, leading to increased scrutiny of the president’s capabilities. Subsequently, Biden ended his campaign, and Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee. However, Harris’s campaign faced significant challenges, culminating in a loss to Donald Trump in the general election.
Following the election, Clooney reportedly felt abandoned by Obama and faced criticism for his role in advocating for Biden’s withdrawal. He expressed frustration over being left to shoulder the blame for the Democratic defeat, feeling manipulated into taking a public stance that ultimately did not yield the desired outcome.
This episode underscores the complexities and risks involved when public figures engage in political advocacy, especially when influenced by political leaders. Clooney’s experience highlights the potential repercussions of such involvement, including public backlash and strained relationships.
Rosie O’Donnell: The Unexpected Encounter
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell has never shied away from political discourse. In July 2024, she was spotted leaving a Malibu restaurant shortly after Hunter Biden, sparking speculation about a possible meeting. O’Donnell has been vocal in urging President Biden to step aside, citing concerns over his health. The timing of this encounter led to widespread conjecture, though no concrete details emerged.
Rosie O’Donnell and her outspoken political stance have become synonymous with what many call “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS)—a tongue-in-cheek term used to describe individuals whose extreme dislike for Donald Trump leads to over-the-top reactions. For Rosie, this dynamic has been playing out for years, often making headlines.
From her very public feud with Trump dating back to the mid-2000s, when he famously insulted her on national television, to her relentless criticisms during his presidency, O’Donnell’s disdain has been a recurring theme. She’s used social media as a platform to launch scathing critiques, share anti-Trump memes, and even suggest wild conspiracy theories, sometimes bordering on the absurd.
One of her more memorable moments came in 2019 when she floated a theory that Trump would be arrested before finishing his term. Fast-forward to 2024, and her commentary hasn’t slowed down. A recent incident involved her fiery response to Trump’s campaign events, where she went on a rant that some saw as more personal grudge than substantive critique.
For her supporters, Rosie’s outspokenness is seen as a courageous stand against what she perceives as dangerous leadership. For her detractors, her relentless fixation on Trump has turned into a caricature, with accusations of losing perspective in the process. Whether you see her as a brave truth-teller or a celebrity taking things too far, one thing’s for sure—Rosie’s feud with Trump is a saga that refuses to fade quietly into Hollywood history.
Whoopi Goldberg: The On-Air Skeptic
As a co-host on “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg often shares her political insights. In November 2024, she expressed skepticism about the potential for a “smart, serious” Trump presidency, countering her co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin’s optimism. Goldberg’s candidness sparked discussions among viewers, with some appreciating her honesty and others viewing it as overly pessimistic.
Whoopi Goldberg has long been a polarizing figure on The View, where her no-holds-barred commentary often leans into far-left rhetoric. As the show’s moderator and one of its most prominent voices, she frequently uses the platform to deliver unfiltered takes on politics, society, and culture. For fans, she’s a refreshing voice of passion and authenticity. For critics, her opinions sometimes veer into hyperbole, sparking fierce debates.
Goldberg’s stance on Donald Trump has been particularly fiery, with her famously calling his presidency “a disaster” and repeatedly doubting the intentions of his supporters. Her criticism isn’t limited to Republicans; she’s also taken aim at moderate Democrats, urging them to adopt more progressive policies. Her skepticism of bipartisan compromise and insistence on bold systemic changes has earned her applause from far-left audiences but also accusations of alienating more centrist viewers.
In one particularly viral moment during the 2024 election season, Goldberg expressed her disbelief that anyone could think Trump had the capacity to govern effectively. “If he could, he would have done it already,” she quipped, much to the mixed reactions of the audience and her fellow panelists. Her dismissal of differing perspectives has sometimes created tension on The View, including moments where her more conservative co-hosts, like Alyssa Farah Griffin, have pushed back.
Alyssa Milano: The Social Media Storm
Actress Alyssa Milano, known for her activism, faced backlash after a series of tweets criticizing the election process. Her comments were perceived by some as undermining democratic institutions, leading to heated debates online. While Milano later clarified her intentions, the incident highlighted the challenges celebrities face when engaging in political discourse on social media.
These instances underscore the fine line celebrities walk when intertwining their public personas with political opinions. While their platforms offer opportunities to influence, they also come with the risk of public scrutiny and potential career repercussions.