George Clooney is under fire after his public call for President Joe Biden to drop out of the race months before Donald Trump’s resounding election victory. In July, Clooney penned a controversial op-ed in The New York Times urging Biden to step aside, warning, “We are not going to win in November with this president.” The Ocean’s Eleven star praised Biden for “selflessly” bowing out, setting the stage for Kamala Harris to lead a shortened campaign.
Democrats Blame Clooney’s Influence
With Trump now victorious and Democrats grappling with the loss, Clooney’s influence is being heavily scrutinized. Some Democrats accuse him of weakening the party’s chances, blaming his op-ed for fueling doubt within “Bidenworld.” Others, like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are also under fire from Biden allies who believe the president would have performed better among white working-class voters.
Social Media Reacts: ‘Thanks, George!’
Social media lit up with reactions to Clooney’s involvement. One user commented, “Trump should not forget to thank Hollywood celebrities. Especially George Clooney.” Meanwhile, others humorously blamed him outright, with one post reading, “It’s all George Clooney’s fault!”
Star-Studded Endorsements Under Scrutiny
Celebrity endorsements took center stage in this election, with Clooney, Oprah, and Beyoncé supporting Harris while Trump’s campaign boasted backing from Elon Musk and Kanye West. Experts argue that while celebrities boost voter engagement, they don’t directly sway voting decisions. Clooney’s recent ad campaign encouraging men to consider the impact of their votes on women was also met with mixed reactions.
Election Night Drama at Mar-a-Lago
Meanwhile, Trump celebrated his victory at Mar-a-Lago with friends and family. Photos from the evening show Trump mingling with Elon Musk and UFC’s Dana White, reveling in his return to the White House. The 78-year-old will now begin selecting his new cabinet, with plans to take office on January 20.