The election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States in 2016 shocked the world. His victory marked a significant turning point in American politics and sparked intense reactions across the globe. While many celebrated his win, others were left stunned, with many calling his rise to the presidency a threat to American values, democracy, and global stability.

However, among those who expressed strong support for Trump were several high-profile celebrities from the entertainment, sports, and business worlds. These individuals openly declared their support for the billionaire businessman-turned-politician during the 2016 campaign and continued to rally behind him throughout his time in office. From musicians and actors to athletes and reality TV stars, the reactions of these celebrity supporters were polarizing and often came with their own controversies.

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most prominent celebrities who supported Donald Trump after his election victory and the various ways in which they reacted to his presidency. We also explore how the public’s perception of these celebrities shifted as a result of their political allegiance and how they defended their support of the controversial president.

1. Kanye West: The Ultimate Trump Ally

Celebrity: Rapper, Fashion Designer, and Entrepreneur

One of the most high-profile and outspoken celebrity supporters of Donald Trump was rapper Kanye West. West, known for his often unpredictable behavior and strong opinions, shocked the world when he publicly endorsed Trump during the 2016 presidential election. He made headlines with a meeting at Trump Tower after the election, where he posed for a widely publicized photo with Trump. West even famously wore a “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat on several occasions, and his support for the president was well-documented throughout Trump’s tenure in office.

In 2020, Kanye West took his support of Trump a step further by announcing his own run for president in the same year, claiming that he would “run for the people.” West’s continued support for Trump even amid Trump’s controversial presidency sparked both admiration and criticism. Many of West’s fans were puzzled by his unwavering support for a president whose policies often clashed with his own music and artistic image. Critics saw West as out of touch with the struggles of marginalized communities, especially African Americans, who had historically faced systemic racism.

Despite the backlash, West defended his choice, citing shared values with Trump, such as free speech, individual empowerment, and a desire for change. However, his alignment with Trump raised questions about his personal political ideology and the genuine motivations behind his support.

2. Clint Eastwood: The Veteran Actor and Director

Celebrity: Actor, Director, and Producer

Clint Eastwood, the legendary actor and director behind Dirty Harry and Million Dollar Baby, also threw his support behind Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign and beyond. Known for his no-nonsense attitude and conservative views, Eastwood publicly expressed admiration for Trump’s unapologetic approach to politics. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Eastwood famously said, “I think Trump is the right guy for the job.”

For Eastwood, Trump represented a break from traditional political figures and a refreshing outsider perspective that aligned with his own feelings about American politics. Eastwood, a lifelong conservative, was particularly drawn to Trump’s stance on issues like gun rights, military spending, and immigration. Though not as vocal as some other celebrity Trump supporters, Eastwood’s endorsement was significant due to his stature as a Hollywood icon.

As a supporter of the president, Eastwood also received his fair share of criticism, with many questioning why a prominent figure in Hollywood would back someone who was seen as a threat to the very liberal ideals that the industry championed. Despite this, Eastwood stood firm in his support, drawing attention to the divide between the political elite and ordinary Americans.

3. Jon Voight: Hollywood’s Vocal Trump Advocate

Celebrity: Actor

Jon Voight, the Academy Award-winning actor and father of actress Angelina Jolie, has been one of Donald Trump’s most vocal celebrity supporters. Voight, who has long been outspoken in his conservative views, was an early and enthusiastic advocate for Trump during the 2016 campaign. He frequently shared his admiration for Trump through social media posts and interviews, often praising Trump’s leadership and his vision for America.

Voight’s support for Trump was rooted in his belief that the president was a champion of traditional American values and a defender of the Constitution. He also publicly rejected what he saw as the “liberal agenda” in Hollywood, expressing his disillusionment with the left-wing bias in the entertainment industry. Voight’s support extended well beyond Trump’s election, as he continued to voice his admiration for the president during his time in office.

On the heels of Trump’s victory, Voight released a series of statements celebrating what he viewed as a historic win for America. He went so far as to call Trump “the greatest president” in American history, a remark that earned him praise from Trump’s supporters but left many of his Hollywood peers bewildered and disappointed.

4. Kid Rock: Musician and MAGA Advocate

Celebrity: Singer and Musician

Kid Rock, the Michigan-born rock star and rapper, has been another celebrity who has publicly supported Donald Trump since the early days of the 2016 election. Known for his rebellious persona and often controversial public statements, Kid Rock was an outspoken advocate for Trump, particularly when it came to Trump’s populist appeal. Kid Rock attended rallies and appeared in public with Trump, showing his unwavering support throughout the election and after Trump’s inauguration.

In 2018, Kid Rock went so far as to suggest that he might run for Senate in Michigan, in what many speculated was a move to further align himself with Trump’s “outsider” political brand. He even hinted at the idea of a “MAGA” tour, which would combine his love for rock music with his political ideology.

Kid Rock’s support for Trump was a reflection of his own deeply conservative views and dissatisfaction with the direction of American politics. His support generated mixed reactions from fans, with some cheering his efforts to fight against what they saw as political correctness, while others accused him of enabling divisive rhetoric.

5. Roseanne Barr: The Actress Who Became a Trump Supporter

Celebrity: Actress and Comedian

Roseanne Barr, the former star of Roseanne and a long-time political provocateur, became one of Donald Trump’s most controversial celebrity supporters. Barr, who has always been outspoken with her political opinions, was one of the few left-wing celebrities to publicly embrace Trump. In 2016, Barr made it clear that she was voting for Trump, citing his populist appeal and his willingness to speak his mind.

Her support for Trump reached its peak when Roseanne, her hit TV show, was revived in 2018 with Barr’s character being an ardent Trump supporter. The revival of the show mirrored Barr’s real-life politics, and the show quickly became a platform for her to express her conservative views. However, after a series of racially insensitive tweets in 2018, Barr was fired from her own show, and the revival was canceled.

Barr’s support for Trump was not just about politics but also about resisting what she saw as a “liberal elite” trying to control discourse. While she garnered support from Trump’s fanbase, her views were sharply criticized by others who believed that her rhetoric contributed to a toxic political atmosphere.

6. Ted Nugent: Rocker and Trump Enthusiast

Celebrity: Musician and Political Commentator

Ted Nugent, the outspoken rock musician known for his provocative and often incendiary comments, was another major celebrity backer of Donald Trump. Nugent, a staunch conservative, was an early supporter of Trump during the 2016 election and continued to stand by him throughout his presidency. Nugent’s endorsement of Trump was rooted in his admiration for Trump’s strong stance on gun rights, law and order, and opposition to what he saw as “political correctness.”

Nugent often appeared on conservative media outlets to defend Trump and criticize the mainstream media. His support for Trump was part of his larger political philosophy, which has always leaned toward anti-government rhetoric and advocacy for individual freedoms. Nugent’s fans—many of whom admired his rebellious spirit—shared his view that Trump represented a break from the entrenched political establishment.

However, Nugent’s vocal support for Trump also made him a polarizing figure. Many were turned off by his inflammatory comments and his sometimes offensive public persona, which led to calls for a boycott of his music and public appearances.

7. Mike Tyson: The Former Boxer and Trump Supporter

Celebrity: Former Professional Boxer

Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, has had a complicated relationship with Donald Trump over the years. Tyson and Trump first became friends in the 1980s when Tyson was at the peak of his career, and Trump even hosted Tyson’s fights at his casinos. Tyson has been open about his admiration for Trump, often praising his bold and brash style.

Tyson continued to support Trump during his presidential campaign, expressing admiration for Trump’s confidence and his ability to speak his mind. Tyson’s endorsement of Trump was somewhat surprising to many, given Tyson’s background and the public’s general perception of Trump as a controversial figure. Nevertheless, Tyson remained one of Trump’s celebrity allies, occasionally speaking out in his favor on social media and in interviews.

Conclusion: Dividing Opinions and Changing Legacies

The celebrity reactions to Donald Trump’s election and presidency illustrate the deep divides in American society and the broader cultural landscape. For some celebrities, supporting Trump was an expression of political alignment, personal beliefs, or a desire for change. For others, it represented an endorsement of what they saw as a leader