The coveted celebrity endorsement. It’s not just for sneakers or soda anymore. Presidential candidates are not only courting voters, they want to be loved by the famous people. High-profile endorsements are shaping the political landscape like never before, especially with the reach of social media.

Celebrity presidential endorsements are the glittering sideshow of American politics—a blend of fame, fortune, and just a sprinkle of “Why should I care who this actor votes for?” But hey, it works. There’s something magnetic about seeing who your favorite star is throwing their support behind. If you’re checking presidential betting odds, those endorsements can sometimes stir the pot more than a new poll drop. And why not? We’re a country that loves to watch power collide with personality, and celebrities have been lending their sparkle to politics for over a century.

The History Of Celebrity Presidential Endorsements

The first true celebrity endorsement? That honor goes to silent film legends Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks in the 1920 election. Yeah, back when movies didn’t talk, but stars sure did. They both backed Warren G. Harding—a decision that likely baffled a few folks in the roaring twenties but started a trend that continues to this day. Since then, the political stage has welcomed everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Clint Eastwood, making sure the line between Hollywood and D.C. stays as blurred as possible. And whether you like it or not, these celebrity nods influence the conversation. After all, if Oprah tells you to vote for someone, don’t you feel just a little bit curious?

Which Celebrities Are Endorsing Kamala Harris?

Kamala Harris received the granddaddy of all celebrity endorsements when global superstar and self-made billionaire popstar Taylor Swift dropped an Instagram post minutes after the debate between Harris and Trump wrapped up. With days left before voting concludes, the post has 11,375,793 likes.

Swift has a dedicated cult-like following among young women, a key demographic in the 2024 US Presidential election, and her latest tour has generated more than $1 billion in ticket sales. Taylor’s Instagram post included a picture of herself holding her cat Benjamin Button which she signed the “Childless Cat Lady.” The remark is a reference to three-year-old comments made by VP candidate JD Vance about women without children not having an equal stake in the country’s future.

Hollywood stars like Mark Hamill, Bryan Cranston, George Clooney, and Julia Robers have also voiced their support for Harris. Director Spike Lee, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, and famed documentarian Ken Burns have also joined team Harris, along with actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Aubrey Plaza.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter have all backed Harris. Carter, who recently turned 100, voted for Harris in early Georgia mail-in voting. Former first ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton are in Harris’ corner. Former VP Dick Cheney has even come out in support of the current VP. Prominent figures including Oprah Winfrey, Mark Cuban, Robert De Niro, and Charli XCX have lent their star power to the campaign, while Cardi B, Chappell Roan, and even Beyoncé (indirectly) have shown their support.

Other celebrity Kamala Harris supporters include:

• Anne Hathaway
• Aubrey Plaza
• Barbra Streisand
• Ben Stiller
• Bill Nye
• Billie Eilish
• Bruce Springsteen
• Cynthia Nixon
• Ed Helms
• Finneas
• Fran Drescher
• Jamie Lee Curtis
• Jane Fonda
• Jeff Bridges
• Jennifer Aniston
• John Legend
• John Stamos
• Kathy Griffin
• Kerry Washington
• LeVar Burton
• Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Lynda Carter
• Magic Johnson
• Mark Ruffalo
• Matt Damon
• Mel Brooks
• Mindy Kaling
• Nick Offerman
• Omarosa Manigault Newman
• Rosie O’Donnell
• Stevie Nicks (indirect support)
• Tiffany Haddish
• Tony Goldwyn

Which Celebrities Are Endorsing Donald Trump?

Donald Trump’s biggest celebrity endorsement has come from tech mogul Elon Musk officially came out as Dark MAGA after the former president was rushed off stage by Secret Service agents at the Pennsylvania rally shooting. The billionaire Tesla and X CEO, who originally backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has leveraged his massive following, including 197 million on X, to back the former president and criticize Harris.

Dana White, CEO of the mixed martial arts organization Ultimate Fighting Championship, has been a long-time supporter of the former president and spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention. He also supported Trump’s 2020 campaign and spoke at this year’s RNC.

Dennis Quaid joined fellow actors Jon Voight, Kelsey Grammer, Jim Caviezel, and Zachary Levi as a Trump supporter. Quad called Trump his “favorite president of the 21st century” in a recent interview.

Former wrestler Hulk Hogan praised Trump as his “hero” during the Republican National Convention. Musician Kid Rock has been vocal about his support, even updating his song “American Bad Ass” to include references to Trump.

Other notable celebrity Trump supporters include:

• 50 Cent
• Amber Rose
• Azealia Banks
• Brett Favre
• Brittany Mahomes
• Chris Janson
• Danica Patrick
• Dave Portnoy
• Harrison Butker
• Jason Aldean
• John Daly
• Kanye West
• Kevin Sorbo
• Nicky Jam
• Rob Schneider
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• Rosanne Barr
• Russell Brand
• Scott Baio
• Steve Wynn
• Tucker Carlson

Do Celebrity Endorsements Work?

Celebrity endorsements might sway a few opinions here and there. It’s your vote that truly counts. High-profile celebrity endorsements boost media exposure and add flair to campaign events, but they don’t take the place of your ballot. Yes, your vote. These star-studded shout-outs? They’re just another act in the grand election circus. The real power lies with the people because, despite all the hoopla, democracy is still about one person, one vote.