Arnold Schwarzenegger, known as the “Terminator Star” and former governorship in California, publicly endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. He praised her ability to overcome the divisiveness perpetuated by Donald Trump.
At 77, the former bodybuilder expressed dissatisfaction with both major political parties, particularly upset by Trump’s derogatory comments about America. Schwarzenegger’s endorsement arrives just days before the November 5 election, joining other notable Republicans like former Vice President Dick Cheney in supporting Harris over Trump.
Schwarzenegger criticized the description of America as “a trash can for the world” as deeply unpatriotic, stirring strong emotions in him. “I am an American first, then a Republican,” he declared, committing his vote to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on the social platform X.
Since ending his term as governor in 2011, Schwarzenegger has actively supported environmental causes, small business growth, and immigration reform. He strongly condemned the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, comparing it to the Nazi-led Kristallnacht, labelling Trump a “failed leader” and the “worst president ever.”
On Wednesday, he voiced his current disillusionment with both parties. He critiqued his own party’s neglect of free-market principles and fiscal responsibility and expressed concerns about the Democrats’ local policies potentially escalating urban crime rates. Nonetheless, he asserted that reelecting Trump would only prolong ineffective governance and societal division.
Schwarzenegger urged voters to make their voices heard, advocating for a shift away from the current turmoil. Notably, Hollywood stars George Clooney and Julia Roberts also supported Harris, each participating in commercials emphasising personal voting choices, funded by a progressive Christian group.
While Clooney and Roberts advocate for Harris, legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin endorsed Trump on the same day. Aldrin commended Trump for his leadership qualities and decisively supported him for another presidential term.
