Nicky Jam Drops Trump Support; Celebrities Back Harris

In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, celebrity endorsements are playing a pivotal role, as prominent figures from various industries weigh in on the political landscape. One significant turn of events involves reggaeton artist Nicky Jam, who recently withdrew his support for former President Donald Trump. This decision comes after Jam, who was introduced at a Trump rally in September with the remark “She’s hot!”—a misgendering that sparked backlash—decided to distance himself from Trump amidst growing concerns regarding the treatment of Puerto Rico. In an emotional Instagram video, Jam expressed that he initially backed Trump due to his economic policies, which he believed would benefit Latinos. However, he stressed that “Puerto Rico deserves respect,” leading him to officially rescind his endorsement of the Republican candidate.

Nicky Jam’s withdrawal is part of a broader trend among Puerto Rican artists who have begun to openly criticize Trump following derogatory remarks made by a comedian at a rally. The comedian referred to Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage,” igniting outrage among those advocating for the rights and dignity of the territory and its people.

In contrast, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a bodybuilder and former governor of California, took to social media to endorse Kamala Harris, expressing his disdain for the current political climate. In his post, Schwarzenegger criticized both major political parties, stating, “I hate politics more than ever,” suggesting a desire for change that aligns more closely with Harris’s values than those of Trump.

Meanwhile, Buzz Aldrin, the legendary astronaut known for being the second human to set foot on the moon, endorsed Trump, praising his support for space exploration during his presidency. Aldrin highlighted Trump’s establishment of the Space Force, indicating his belief in Trump’s commitment to protecting American interests in space.

Brett Favre, the former NFL quarterback facing scrutiny over a welfare scandal in Mississippi, is set to campaign for Trump in Wisconsin. Despite being embroiled in controversy, Favre has denied any wrongdoing and remains a vocal supporter of Trump, showcasing the blend of celebrity influence and political allegiance.

On the flip side, Don Omar, another reggaeton icon dubbed the “King of Reggaeton,” announced his support for Harris, believing her administration would prioritize empowerment and dignity for all communities. This endorsement highlights the growing rift among Latino artists regarding their political affiliations, with Jam and Omar representing contrasting perspectives.

Comedian Billy Eichner has also entered the fray, reviving his “Billy on the Street” series in a humorous bid to engage voters. In a recent episode, Eichner and actor Will Ferrell donned “Loud White Men for Kamala” shirts, asking passersby provocative questions about their political preferences, further emphasizing the involvement of celebrities in shaping public opinion ahead of the election.

Barbara Pierce Bush, the daughter of former President George W. Bush, campaigned for Harris in Pennsylvania, expressing hope that the Democratic ticket would “move our country forward and protect women’s rights.” This familial endorsement underlines a potential shift among traditional Republican voters toward supporting Democratic candidates based on shared values rather than party loyalty.

In sports, San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa sparked attention when he interrupted an NBC interview to display his “Make America Great Again” hat, reinforcing the visibility of athletes in the political conversation. Bosa’s statement reflects a growing trend where athletes are unafraid to express their political stances, despite the potential backlash.

As endorsements continue to pour in, rapper 50 Cent revealed he turned down $3 million to perform at a Trump rally, stating he is “afraid of politics.” His previous contradictory statements about supporting Trump further illustrate the complexities of celebrity endorsements in the current political landscape.

Notably, Kamala Harris has garnered significant support from numerous celebrities, including billionaire pop star Taylor Swift, who voiced her backing shortly after a Harris-Trump debate. Other notable endorsers include musicians such as Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, and Eminem, alongside a plethora of actors and cultural icons, showcasing a diverse coalition of support.

While Trump maintains a loyal following among some celebrities, including UFC President Dana White and actors like Jon Voight, Harris’s endorsements reflect a significant breadth of support across various sectors. Figures like Bill Nye and Martha Stewart also add to the list of notable supporters, indicating a complex web of celebrity influences that could sway voters as the election approaches.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the role of celebrities as influencers and advocates will undoubtedly continue to evolve. Their endorsements, whether for Trump or Harris, are set against a backdrop of public discourse on critical issues affecting the nation, particularly those related to the rights of marginalized communities, economic equity, and political integrity. The intersection of celebrity culture and politics presents a unique landscape for voters, as they navigate their choices amidst a chorus of voices advocating for change.