“Arnold Schwarzenegger Breaks Party Lines: Endorses Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for 2024”
On Wednesday, former California Governor and lifelong Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in the upcoming election. The Hollywood star and political figure expressed that his choice was rooted in a belief that the country’s interests come before party loyalty.
“To someone like me, who speaks with people all over the world and still sees America as the shining city on a hill, hearing it called a ‘garbage can for the world’ is deeply unpatriotic and makes me furious,” Schwarzenegger posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I will always be an American first, a Republican second. This week, I’m choosing to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.”
Criticism of Trump’s Leadership.
Schwarzenegger’s support for Democratic candidates came alongside sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump, whom he suggested would foster even deeper divisions if re-elected. He noted that another Trump term could result in increased anger, division, and hostility across the country.
“He will divide, he will insult, and he’ll discover new ways to act un-American,” Schwarzenegger wrote. His frustration also stemmed from Trump’s recent remark at an Arizona rally, where Trump likened the U.S. to a “garbage can for the world” while discussing immigration policies. For Schwarzenegger, this comment crossed a line, fueling his concerns about the future direction of the GOP.
A Longstanding Critic of Trump.
Schwarzenegger has openly voiced his disapproval of Trump’s leadership for years, dating back to the 2021 Capitol insurrection. In the aftermath, he labeled Trump as the “worst president” in U.S. history and called for national unity. In a 2023 interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, he predicted that Trump’s 2024 candidacy would ultimately harm the Republican Party, stating that Trump’s leadership had “dug a hole” for the GOP.
“It’s sad to see,” Schwarzenegger told Bash. “They couldn’t find new talent, someone reasonable, smart, and intelligent enough to lead this country with true Republican values.”
A History of Tensions Between Schwarzenegger and Trump.
The rocky relationship between Trump and Schwarzenegger dates back to Trump’s first term when Schwarzenegger took over hosting “The Celebrity Apprentice” in 2015, a show previously led by Trump. When ratings faltered in 2017, Trump publicly mocked the new iteration. Schwarzenegger fired back, suggesting that they “switch jobs.” Not long after, Schwarzenegger stepped away from the show, distancing himself further.
In Wednesday’s statement, Schwarzenegger emphasized his commitment to moving the country forward, saying, “Even though I don’t agree with everything in their platform, I believe Harris and Walz offer the best path to progress as a united nation.”
An Unconventional Choice Reflecting Deep Divisions.
As the election nears, Schwarzenegger’s endorsement underscores a divide in the Republican Party and among Americans about the country’s direction. His support for Harris and Walz reflects a growing sentiment among some conservatives who believe that bipartisan collaboration may be the only path forward in a deeply divided political landscape.
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