The 2024 presidential election has been a rollercoaster ride, with the unexpected triumph of former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. As the news of Trump's victory spread, a diverse array of celebrities have expressed their reactions, ranging from jubilant celebration to profound dismay. This article delves into the contrasting perspectives of the celebrity community, providing a glimpse into the polarized political landscape that has gripped the nation.

A Mandate for Change or a Troubling Regression?

Supporters Hail Trump's Triumphant Return

The announcement of Donald Trump's victory has been met with elation from a contingent of high-profile supporters. Elon Musk, the billionaire businessman and prominent Trump backer, took to his platform to declare that "the people of America gave @realDonaldTrump a crystal clear mandate for change tonight." Musk's enthusiasm was echoed by other celebrity endorsers, such as podcaster Joe Rogan, who shared a video of the former president being declared the victor with the caption "WHOLE. LEE. S***."Country music star John Rich celebrated the win with a succinct message: "WE WIN!! Thank you Lord!!" Comedian Rob Schneider went a step further, describing the outcome as a "LANDSLIDE VICTORY and a MANDATE for our 47th President of the United States Donald J Trump." Schneider's patriotic fervor was on full display as he shared an image of the American flag, proclaiming that "the American people have spoken."Professional wrestler Eva Marie also joined the chorus of celebratory voices, simply stating "GOD BLESS AMERICA" and punctuating her message with prayer hand emojis and U.S. flags. Former college swimmer Riley Gaines expressed her belief that the victory was an "answered prayer," declaring it the "Year of Jubilee" and welcoming the return of the 47th president.

Dismay and Disbelief from Trump Detractors

While the Trump supporters reveled in the unexpected triumph, a significant number of celebrities who had opposed the former president's bid for the White House expressed their dismay and disbelief. Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, who has been critical of Trump in the past, offered a begrudging congratulations, acknowledging that the former president had "won fair and square."Actress Christina Applegate took to social media to voice her concerns, questioning "Why?" and lamenting the impact on her child, who was "sobbing because her rights as a woman may be taken away." Veteran entertainer Bette Midler, a frequent Trump critic, responded by quoting the renowned journalist H.L. Mencken, who had famously described the presidency as tending "to go to such men" who can "most adeptly disperse the notion that his mind is a virtual vacuum."General Hospital star Nancy Lee Grahn announced that she would be stepping back from social media altogether, stating that she had "done all [she] can do" and expressing her concern for her daughter's future. One Tree Hill actress Sophia Bush echoed these sentiments, lamenting the "MAGA gang" gaining more power and questioning how many people were still willing to overlook Trump's controversies in favor of a non-Black, non-female candidate.Rapper Cardi B shared a video of herself with a hand over her face, captioning it simply "I hate y'all bad," while Riverdale star Lili Reinhart expressed her heartbreak for the women who had come forward with sexual assault allegations against Trump, stating that she "believe[s] you, and [is] so sorry."The Millionaire Matchmaker star Patti Stanger was particularly vocal in her criticism, accusing the voting machines of being "hacked" and questioning the intelligence of Trump's supporters, whom she described as driven by "hate for women." Stanger's emotional outpouring reflected the depth of anguish felt by many who had hoped for a different outcome.