Arnold Schwarzenegger, the iconic “Terminator” star and former Republican governor of California, has endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, calling it crucial to move past Donald Trump’s divisiveness.
Schwarzenegger, 77, shared his frustration with both major political parties, particularly condemning Trump’s remark that the United States is “a trash can for the world,” which he found extremely upsetting. “To someone like me who talks to people all over the world and still sees America as the shining city on a hill, calling America… a trash can for the world is not only unpatriotic, it makes me furious,” the actor explained.
With the November 5 election just around the corner, Schwarzenegger joins a list of former Republican officials—including former Vice President Dick Cheney—who have thrown their support behind the Democratic presidential candidate instead of Trump.
“I am first and foremost an American before I am a Republican. That’s why, this week, I am voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” Schwarzenegger announced on the social media platform X.
Since finishing his second term as governor of California in 2011, Schwarzenegger has actively championed environmental causes, supported small businesses, and pushed for immigration reform.
He has been openly critical of Trump, especially after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack by Trump supporters, which Schwarzenegger likened to the Nazi Kristallnacht riots in Austria. He labeled Trump a “failed leader” who “will go down in history as the worst president ever.”
On Wednesday, Schwarzenegger expressed his current political stance: “I’m not happy with either party right now. My Republicans have neglected the beauty of the free market, increased deficits, and denied election results.”
He also raised concerns about the Democrats’ approach to managing deficits and local policies that, in his view, may worsen crime in cities.
Despite his reservations, Schwarzenegger argued that reelecting Trump would result in “four more years of nonsense with no results, leading to more anger, division, and hatred.”
“Go out and vote this week,” he encouraged. “Let’s turn the page and leave this mess behind us.”
