Kathrine Frich
Their messages are not subtle, they are fiery, personal, and direct
Their messages are not subtle, they are fiery, personal, and direct
As Donald J. Trump governs through his second term in office, backlash from the world of entertainment is growing louder.
His controversial policies, legal entanglements, and increasingly authoritarian tone have drawn sharp rebukes from artists, actors, and musicians both in the U.S. and abroad.
From the stage in Manchester to the red carpets of Hollywood, prominent figures have used their platforms to denounce what they see as a dangerous shift in American leadership.
Here are 10 celebrities who have publicly spoken out against President Trump with unmistakable clarity.
Bruce Springsteen
At his May 2025 concert in Manchester, Springsteen didn’t hold back. He told the crowd that the America he loves. the one he’s sung about for decades, is now in the grip of an administration he called “corrupt, incompetent and treacherous.”
He called on fans to rise up against authoritarianism and support democracy, adding:
“We’re here tonight to call on the righteous power of music, of rock ‘n roll, in dangerous times.”
Robert De Niro
An outspoken critic since 2016, De Niro’s criticism reached new heights at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
He slammed Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign films, calling him a “monster” who endangers both art and democracy.
“We have a man who thinks he’s above the law,” De Niro said.
“It’s not politics anymore, it’s survival.”
George Clooney
In a recent interview, Clooney dismissed Trump’s jabs at him as the irrelevant rantings of a bitter man.
“I don’t care,” he said, when asked about being labelled a “second-rate actor” by the former president.
Clooney has supported Democratic campaigns and used his platform to denounce what he sees as rising authoritarianism under Trump.
Green Day
During their 2024 New Year’s Eve performance, Green Day altered the lyrics of their classic American Idiot to take a direct swipe at Trump’s political movement:
“I’m not a part of the MAGA agenda.”
The punk band has long used their music to push back against right-wing politics — and this lyrical change made waves online and off.
Taylor Swift
Though she once avoided politics, Taylor Swift has become an increasingly vocal critic of Trump-era policies.
In her Netflix documentary Miss Americana, she referred to the state of American politics under Trump as a “crisis.”
She has since used her enormous platform to encourage young people to register to vote and fight back against what she sees as regressive leadership.
Cher
A legend both musically and politically, Cher has spent years dragging Trump on social media, calling him everything from “a dictator” to “an evil sociopath.”
“He’s the most vindictive person I’ve ever witnessed,” she tweeted,
accusing him of undermining democracy and targeting vulnerable communities.
Meryl Streep
At the 2017 Golden Globes, Streep delivered one of the most talked-about speeches of the year, without ever naming Trump directly.
She condemned him for mocking a disabled journalist and warned that such cruelty, when displayed by a public figure, becomes dangerously normalised.
“When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose.”
Alec Baldwin
Through his Trump impression on Saturday Night Live, Baldwin became an unlikely political voice. Beyond parody, he’s also called Trump’s presidency “a failure” and urged Americans to see through the chaos.
“He’s not a leader. He’s a disruptor and not in the good way.”
John Legend
John Legend has never minced words about Trump. He’s called him a “bigot,” a “terrible president,” and has regularly used his interviews and social media to challenge Trump’s policies on immigration, healthcare, and race.
“He emboldens racists, and he has no vision for the country beyond enriching himself.”
Lady Gaga
In the aftermath of the 2024 election season, Gaga gave an impassioned speech during a rally, vowing to continue the fight against Trump’s potential return to power.
“He does not represent who we are as a nation. We must protect the soul of America.”
She’s since remained active in encouraging civic engagement, especially among young voters.