WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an era dominated by celebrity endorsements, red-carpet opinions, and viral culture, former President Donald Trump is once again making it clear where he stands — and who he stands with. A recently circulated image featuring Trump with the bold statement, “I don’t need the approval from celebrities in Hollywood when I have you, the American people. Are you with me?” has reignited conversations about populism, power, and the future of American politics.
The image, which has been widely shared across pro-Trump social media pages, comes as the former president ramps up rhetoric ahead of what many expect will be a 2024 campaign announcement. With his signature confident grin, red tie, and trademark defiance, Trump positions himself — not for the first time — as the outsider standing against elite influence.
Rejecting the Hollywood Establishment
The quote taps into a long-standing theme of Trump’s political persona: the rejection of mainstream, liberal-leaning institutions, especially Hollywood. Throughout his presidency and afterward, Trump has consistently framed himself as a voice of the “forgotten” Americans — working-class, rural, patriotic citizens whom he says have been ignored or mocked by coastal elites.
Hollywood, in particular, has been a frequent target.
From the Oscars to talk shows, celebrities have often criticized Trump’s policies, character, and leadership. In return, Trump has dismissed their opinions as irrelevant and out of touch. “They live in a bubble,” he once said during a 2020 rally. “They don’t understand the heart of this country.”
In that context, the quote on the image is more than just a political slogan — it’s a rallying cry, a reaffirmation of his base, and a rejection of the culture wars playing out on movie screens and Instagram feeds.
A Strategy of “Us vs. Them”
Trump’s popularity with a significant portion of the American electorate has always been fueled by a strong “us versus them” narrative — the people versus the establishment, the working class versus the elites, the patriots versus the politically correct.
This image plays directly into that divide. By casting celebrities as out-of-touch elites and himself as a man of the people, Trump reinforces the idea that he represents real Americans — not the “Hollywood crowd,” not Silicon Valley billionaires, and certainly not the Washington insiders.
Political analyst Laura Jensen commented, “This message is classic Trump. It’s populist, it’s simple, and it reminds his supporters why they connected with him in the first place. He’s not running to impress the A-list — he’s running to win over the diner booths and factory floors of Middle America.”
Does Celebrity Endorsement Still Matter?
Trump’s assertion also raises a broader question: do celebrity endorsements still matter in American politics?
Historically, big-name support has helped candidates gain visibility and appeal to younger or less politically engaged voters. Barack Obama famously leveraged Oprah Winfrey’s support. Joe Biden benefited from endorsements by figures like Lady Gaga and LeBron James.
However, in the age of populism, there has been a growing backlash against celebrity influence. Many voters now view celebrities as disconnected from real-world problems, seeing their opinions as performative rather than grounded in lived experience.
Trump, despite being a former reality TV star himself, has capitalized on this sentiment. His political brand thrives on authenticity — or at least the perception of it — and a refusal to play by the traditional rules of political polish.
The Power of Direct Appeal
Another key takeaway from the image is the way Trump addresses the American people directly: “Are you with me?”
This call-to-action underscores the interactive, loyal relationship between Trump and his base. It’s not just about policy — it’s about identity, belonging, and shared opposition to perceived cultural dominance.
In the eyes of his supporters, Trump doesn’t just speak for them — he speaks as them.
Trump supporter Rachel Denton, a nurse in Michigan, told Fox News, “I don’t care what celebrities think. They don’t know what it’s like to work 12-hour shifts and worry about gas prices. Trump listens to us. He doesn’t look down on us.”
Preparing for a 2024 Comeback?
Although Trump has not yet formally declared his 2024 candidacy at the time of writing, all signs point toward a return to the political spotlight. His rallies have resumed, his fundraising machine is active, and his digital presence is steadily re-emerging despite bans from major platforms.
This kind of messaging — direct, defiant, anti-establishment — may well form the cornerstone of his next campaign.
“It’s not just a meme,” said Professor Aaron Gold of the University of Virginia. “It’s a mission statement. Trump is telling America he doesn’t need the approval of Hollywood, the media, or the liberal elite — he just needs votes from the people who feel ignored.”
