Trump's Win: Hollywood's Celebrity Protest is Just Bluster, Experts Say!

As the countdown to the 2024 presidential election continues, Hollywood finds itself in a familiar cycle of celebrity declarations and political fervor. With the recent victory of Donald Trump, social media has erupted with reactions from stars who promised to leave the country should he win.

Icons like Sharon Stone, Cher, and Barbra Streisand have previously expressed their disdain for Trump, with Stone candidly reflecting on her intentions to move to Italy if he took office. "I am certainly considering a house in Italy. This is one of the first times in my life that I’ve actually seen anyone running for office on a platform of hate and oppression," she stated in a July interview.

Cher has also echoed similar sentiments, saying in a 2023 Guardian interview, "If he gets in, who knows? This time I will leave [the country]." Streisand went so far as to tell Stephen Colbert that living in the U.S. under Trump would be impossible for her, revealing that she’d likely head to England.

However, Doug Eldridge, founder of Achilles PR, dismisses these celebrity pledges as mere “all talk, no walk.” He noted that every election cycle brings an onslaught of similar proclamations from Hollywood figures, asserting that it has become almost a joke within the industry. "Every four years, you hear the same recycled rhetoric from celebrities... It’s become predictable," Eldridge commented.

Historically, during Trump's first run in 2016, numerous celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Miley Cyrus, and Amy Schumer made similar threats. Miley even claimed on Instagram, “I am moving if [Donald Trump] is my president! I don’t say things I don’t mean!” Yet, shortly after, she backtracked, urging unity and love in a heartfelt video accepting Trump’s presidency.

Interestingly, Schumer’s initial dramatic threats were later downplayed as “said in jest.” As Eldridge suggests, while celebrities may express disapproval, their decisions to leave usually lack follow-through, and their political statements rarely affect their careers significantly.

With Trump's recent victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, reactions on social media have run the gamut. Celebrities like Christina Applegate and Mandy Moore took to platforms to share their outrage and feelings of grief, while others, such as Hulk Hogan, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump, urged for national unity despite the divisiveness of the election.

Eldridge points out that while Hollywood remains predominantly liberal, the reality is that fan base dynamics may shift. “The impact on the careers and the impact on their fan base are two distinct questions, but they are interrelated,” he explained. As Trump not only secured the Electoral College but also made history by winning the popular vote for the first time in two decades for a Republican, celebrities might find their audiences less forgiving of outspoken rhetoric.

As the dust settles from the election, the reactions of those celebrities promise to continue shaping the narrative in Hollywood. Eldridge suggests that a more conciliatory approach from these stars could resonate well at this juncture. "The most logical thing any celebrity could say at this point would be to recognize Trump as president and advocate for coming together as a nation."

In a polarized political climate, the true test for these celebrities will be whether they uphold their promises or fall back into the same cyclical rhetoric that has characterized past elections. As they navigate their careers with an increasingly scrutinizing public, one question looms large: will they finally put their money where their mouths are?