Hollywood usually feels like a giant megaphone for one side of the aisle. You see the gala dresses, the late-night monologues, and the predictable award show speeches. But during the 2024 election cycle, the vibe shifted. It wasn't just the "usual suspects" anymore. A surprising mix of tech titans, legendary athletes, and even some hip-hop icons started vocalizing their support for the 45th (and now 47th) president. Celebrities voting for Trump became less of a whispered secret and more of a loud, public stance that shook up the entertainment industry's status quo.
The Rogan Factor and the New Media Guard
If you want to understand how the momentum changed, you have to look at the "Manosphere" and the rise of independent podcasting. For years, Joe Rogan was the white whale for political candidates. In October 2024, Donald Trump finally sat down for a three-hour marathon on The Joe Rogan Experience. They talked about everything from UFC to aliens to the economy.
Just days before the election, Rogan made it official. He endorsed Trump, citing Elon Musk’s appearance on his show as the final straw that convinced him. Rogan basically said Musk made the most compelling case he’d ever heard.
It worked.
This wasn't just a vote; it was a signal to millions of young men who felt alienated by traditional celebrity culture. Rogan wasn't alone in this space. Other heavy hitters like Theo Von and Andrew Schulz gave Trump a platform that felt authentic—or at least more "real" than a scripted sit-down on a network morning show.
From the Octagon to the Recording Studio
Sports stars have always been a bit more open about their leanings, but 2024 felt different. Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, has been a ride-or-die Trump supporter for decades. He even gave the final introductory speech at the Republican National Convention.
Then you’ve got the athletes.
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- Hulk Hogan: Literally ripped his shirt off at the RNC to show his support.
- Mike Tyson: The boxing legend has been a vocal supporter for years, often citing his personal friendship with Trump.
- Danica Patrick: The former NASCAR star admitted she had never voted in a presidential election before 2024, but she publicly threw her weight behind Trump this time.
- Harrison Butker: The Chiefs kicker made waves with his support, aligning with conservative traditionalist values.
But the real curveball came from the music world. We aren't just talking about country stars like Jason Aldean—who has been a vocal supporter for ages—or Kid Rock. We're talking about a shift in hip-hop.
Snoop Dogg, who famously mocked Trump in a music video years ago, had a massive change of heart. By early 2024, he said he had "nothing but love and respect" for the man. Why? Part of it was the 2021 pardon of Michael "Harry-O" Harris, the co-founder of Death Row Records. It shows that for many celebrities voting for Trump, the reasons were deeply personal or tied to specific policy actions rather than just party lines.
Why the "Silent Majority" in Hollywood is Shrinking
Honestly, being a Republican in Hollywood used to be a career-ender. Or at least, people thought it was.
Dennis Quaid spoke out at a rally in Coachella, saying he was tired of the "cancel culture" that kept people from speaking their minds. He’s part of a veteran group of actors—including Jon Voight, Kelsey Grammer, and Mel Gibson—who have stopped caring about the potential backlash.
Gibson, in particular, was caught on camera giving a brief, blunt endorsement while walking through an airport, even taking a jab at the opposition. Then you have Zachary Levi, the Shazam! star, who shocked fans by endorsing Trump after RFK Jr. dropped out. Levi admitted that his move might be "career suicide" in a liberal-leaning industry, but he felt the state of the country was too dire to stay quiet.
Tech Billionaires and the Silicon Valley Shift
The 2024 election saw a massive influx of support from the tech world, which traditionally leaned blue. Elon Musk is obviously the poster child here. He didn't just vote; he became a surrogate, appearing at rallies and funneling massive resources into the campaign.
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But look at the others:
- Bill Ackman: The hedge fund billionaire flipped his support.
- The Winklevoss Twins: The crypto moguls were early and loud with their backing.
- Dave Portnoy: The Barstool Sports founder, while often claiming to be independent, was a massive influence in the "Pro-Trump" digital ecosystem.
These aren't just "celebrities" in the red-carpet sense. They are culture movers. They control the platforms where people get their news and form their opinions. When they talk about celebrities voting for Trump, they aren't talking about Hollywood glitter; they’re talking about "anti-establishment" energy.
The Cultural Impact: Does it actually move the needle?
A lot of people ask if celebrity endorsements even matter. In the past, maybe not much. But in a fragmented media world, a "vibe" is everything.
When Amber Rose stood on the RNC stage and told the world that "these are my people," it challenged the narrative that Trump supporters were a monolith. She spoke directly to women and people of color who felt the Democratic party had failed them.
It’s about permission.
When a famous person "comes out" as a supporter, it gives their fans permission to do the same. It makes a fringe or "taboo" opinion feel mainstream. For many voters, seeing someone like Lil Pump or Kodak Black—who Trump also pardoned—back the candidate made the choice feel more culturally relevant and less like a "stuffy" political decision.
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Misconceptions About the "Celebrity Backlash"
One thing people get wrong is the idea that all these stars lost their fans. While some certainly faced "unfollows," others saw their engagement explode. The "anti-woke" market is huge.
Take Joe Rogan. His numbers didn't tank after his endorsement; they stayed at the top of the charts. There is a massive audience that is hungry for celebrities who go against the grain.
Moving Forward: What This Means for You
Whether you love it or hate it, the intersection of pop culture and politics is here to stay. The 2024 election proved that the "Hollywood Monolith" is a myth.
What to look for next:
- Watch the "Podcast Circuit": Politics will increasingly be played out on long-form podcasts rather than 30-second TV ads.
- Monitor Policy Shifts: Many of these celebrities, like Snoop Dogg or Kodak Black, are focused on criminal justice reform. Watch how the administration handles these issues to see if the celebrity support holds.
- Check the Financials: Tech endorsements usually follow the money. If the economy shifts, watch how quickly Silicon Valley "celebrities" adjust their sails.
If you’re looking to stay informed on how your favorite stars are influencing the current landscape, start by looking at who they are talking to—not just who they are voting for. The guest lists of the top 10 podcasts in the world will tell you more about the future of American politics than any traditional news broadcast ever could.