Photo credit: Raymond Flotat
In the wake of Donald Trump’s historic comeback victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, numerous prominent figures from music and entertainment have taken to social media to share their reactions, ranging from frustration and disbelief to ecstatic celebration. Trump’s overwhelming victory securing the electoral college by winning every major swing state, as well as being the first Republican to win the popular vote in 20 years, has sparked strong responses from artists across genres, each with their own perspective on the implications of his return to the White House.
Jack White, who has been vocal in his opposition to Trump in recent years, shared a lengthy statement on Instagram strongly condemning Trump’s popular vote victory, describing him as a “known, obvious fascist” and “wannabe dictator.” The post went on to scold numerous demographics who voted for the former president, including Christians, veterans, minorities and working class Americans, stating, “He doesn’t care about you.” White ended his post with a grim warning for the nation, saying American citizens, “deserve whatever evils [Trump’s] going to enact.” (Brooklyn Vegan)
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The lead singer of New York based Steampunk duo The Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer, took to X to express her reaction to the election results, voicing her discontent by stating, “I can’t believe this guy is going to be president again. The community gathers here:” With a link to her personal Patreon page. Palmer has voiced her contempt for the president on many occasions, most recently regarding his felony convictions.
I can’t believe this guy is going to be president again. The community gathers here: https://t.co/eTFZBsWyfK
— Amanda Palmer 🎹 (@amandapalmer) November 6, 2024
Questlove, drummer of The Roots and a prominent cultural figure, joined the conversation on Instagram with a more reserved take, assuring fans he was, “Not gonna let past traumas freeze me. Won’t obsessively future doom/gloom. I don’t think feeding my fear is wise (news cycle).” He went on to speak on the traumas he experienced growing up in West Philadelphia and shared a video breaking down the election results.
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In stark contrast to the posts reflecting a deep maligning of America’s future, 70s rock legend Ted Nugent, a longtime Trump supporter, celebrated the victory with enthusiasm, posting a picture of a bouquet alongside a 2024 Trump campaign sign with the caption, “glory glory hallelujah thank God!” All That Remains frontman Phil Labonte also expressed his support, sharing a video of himself celebrating and responding to other’s reactions to Trump’s win. As did alternative southern musician Kid Rock, who held an election night watch party at his bar in Nashville, and celebrated the win on social media.
glory glory hallelujah thank God! pic.twitter.com/Vl6UlOd1PX
— Ted Nugent (@TedNugent) November 6, 2024
DONALD TRUMP IS THE 47TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!
— Phil Labonte (@philthatremains) November 6, 2024
While many have expressed either abject terror or unmitigated joy, other musicians have offered a more balanced reaction, such as Public Enemy’s Chuck D emphasizing the need to remain grounded and resilient regardless of who they voted for. “Don’t Let A Win go to your head or a loss get to your heart,” he wrote in classic eloquence, before urging fans to channel their feelings into constructive action. (Loudwire)
Don’t Let A Win go to your head or a loss get to your heart. A ‘L’
He Got Game fuckin again . The NYC hustler Gamed them again . Well its time for myself to work head forward as a 2nd class citizen. Good luck ill be watching it all with a Pen and a Pad USA— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) November 6, 2024
For more details on these reactions and the many others below, check out: NME, Loudwire, Brooklyn Vegan.
Well, I was very wrong. The American people have spoken. I accept their choice.
— Dee Snider🇺🇸🎤 (@deesnider) November 6, 2024
In all seriousness …. people vote for whatever they think their lives need ….
WE are what’s important … how WE choose to treat each OTHER is what is important
Thinking Kamala or Trump give a FUCK about you is not only idiotic ,it’s utterly delusional..
Love leads always
— Zach Myers (@ZMyersOfficial) November 6, 2024
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Sabrina Carpenter speaking at her show following Donald Trump’s election victory:
“I hope we can be a moment of peace for you and a moment of safety. Sorry about our country and to the women in here, I love you so so so so so much.” pic.twitter.com/OaUDOwp5xp
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 7, 2024
@marinadiamandis Lead with love. #kamalaharris ♬ original sound – MARINA
Billie Eilish delivers speech before performing ‘Your Power’ at her concert in Nashville, Tennessee tonight:
“Someone who hates women so, so deeply is about to be the President. This song is for all the women out there. I love you, I support you.”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 7, 2024
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Ariana Grande reacts to news of Donald Trump winning the election:
“holding the hand of every person who is feeling the immeasurable heaviness of this outcome today” pic.twitter.com/WprxYlTLbF
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 6, 2024
ethel cain on the election:
“if you voted for trump, i hope that peace never finds you. instead, i hope clarity strikes you someday like a clap of lightning and you have to live the rest of your life with the knowledge and guilt of what you’ve done and who you are as a person.” pic.twitter.com/e7FXQW09bE
— ethel cains fly (@ethelfiles) November 6, 2024
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Lmao I lied, I voted for Trump yesterday 🤣 pic.twitter.com/pYPGsMETJn
— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) November 6, 2024
2025 is the death of the Hollywood celebrity.
— Ronald (@RonnieRadke) November 6, 2024