Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has publicly endorsed U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as the list of Republican supporters for her campaign continues to expand, just days before Election Day.
A Candid Critique of Trump
In an unusual political endorsement shared on X, the 77-year-old actor and former Republican governor expressed his backing for Harris in a detailed statement. Schwarzenegger candidly admitted his growing disdain for politics, stating, “It is probably not a surprise that I hate politics more than ever.” He acknowledged that, like many Americans, he felt compelled to “tune out” this election cycle but found it impossible to do so.
Schwarzenegger launched a strong critique of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, emphasizing that “rejecting the results of an election is as un-American as it gets.” He expressed frustration at Trump’s portrayal of America, saying, “To someone like me who talks to people all over the world and still knows America is the shining city on a hill, calling America a trash can for the world is so unpatriotic, it makes me furious.”
Concerns About Trump’s Leadership
He articulated further concerns about Trump’s leadership, criticizing him for refusing to respect votes unless they align with his own and for inciting his followers to storm the Capitol while he observed passively. Schwarzenegger stated, “A candidate who thinks Americans who disagree with him are the bigger enemies than China, Russia, or North Korea — that won’t solve our problems.”
Prioritizing American Values Over Partisan Politics
Affirming his identity, Schwarzenegger declared, “I will always be an American before I am a Republican.” He urged voters to “close the door on this chapter of history,” warning that another Trump administration would lead to “just four more years of bulls— with no results that makes us angrier and angrier, more divided, and more hateful.”
A History of Political Banter
Schwarzenegger and Trump have a history of public exchanges; after Schwarzenegger took over as the host of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2017, Trump ridiculed the show’s declining ratings. In response, Schwarzenegger humorously suggested they switch roles: “You can take over TV — because you’re such an expert in ratings — and I take over your job, then people can finally sleep comfortably again,” he quipped in a video posted to Instagram.
Looking Ahead to a Better Future
In the past, Schwarzenegger endorsed former Ohio Governor John Kasich during the 2016 GOP primary and urged him to challenge Trump again in 2020. He concluded his endorsement by acknowledging his policy disagreements with the Democratic ticket but maintaining that they represent the best path forward for the country. “I want to move forward as a country, and even though I have plenty of disagreements with their platform, I think the only way to do that is with Harris and Walz,” he stated. He urged citizens to vote this week and to “turn the page and put this junk behind us.”
