Arnold Schwarzenegger Breaks Silence on 2024 Election, Endorses Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former California governor and Hollywood icon, has made a rare move in the world of politics, taking to social media to reveal who he’s backing in the 2024 presidential race. In a lengthy post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Schwarzenegger shared his frustrations with both political parties but ultimately endorsed Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He expressed a desire for unity and a shift away from what he described as divisive, unproductive politics.

Schwarzenegger, known for his independent streak and unconventional approach to politics, has previously avoided political endorsements. In his message, he said, “I don’t really do endorsements. I’m not shy about sharing my views, but I hate politics and don’t trust most politicians.” But, he noted, he felt compelled to speak out because he believed that “rejecting the results of an election is as un-American as it gets,” adding that recent events have made him increasingly frustrated with the state of American politics.

The former governor used his platform to criticize both Republicans and Democrats, noting his disillusionment with the current political climate. While he spoke of his pride in the work he accomplished as governor of California—mentioning efforts to improve air quality, balance the budget, and empower citizens in the redistricting process—he highlighted his disappointment in today’s leadership. According to Schwarzenegger, both parties have failed to address critical issues like the national debt and immigration reform, choosing instead to prioritize “talking points to win elections” over meaningful change.

In a particularly pointed statement, Schwarzenegger took aim at his own party, the Republicans, saying they had “forgotten the beauty of the free market” and “rejected election results,” a clear critique of Donald Trump and his influence on the GOP. He also noted concerns with Democrats’ handling of local issues, particularly rising crime rates in urban areas.

I don’t really do endorsements. I’m not shy about sharing my views, but I hate politics and don’t trust most politicians.

I also understand that people want to hear from me because I am not just a celebrity, I am a former Republican Governor.

My time as Governor taught me to…

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) October 30, 2024

“Let me be honest with you: I don’t like either party right now,” he wrote, speaking directly to the millions of Americans who feel disillusioned by the current political landscape.

Despite his criticisms of both parties, Schwarzenegger ultimately threw his support behind the Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, believing they represent the best path forward for a country he feels is at a critical turning point. “I want to move forward as a country,” he wrote. “Even though I have plenty of disagreements with their platform, I think the only way to do that is with Harris and Walz.”

Schwarzenegger emphasized that his decision was less about party loyalty and more about his commitment to democracy and respect for the American electoral process. He described his frustration with leaders who refuse to respect the will of the people, calling out Trump specifically for his role in inciting the January 6 Capitol riot and his continued claims of election fraud. Without mentioning him by name, Schwarzenegger criticized Trump’s divisive rhetoric and lack of policy achievements, saying that another term under his leadership would lead to “four more years of…no results that make us angrier, more divided, and more hateful.”

In a powerful closing statement, Schwarzenegger urged Americans to exercise their right to vote, regardless of whether they agree with his views. “Turn the page and put this junk behind us,” he wrote. “And even if you disagree with me, vote, because that’s what we do as Americans.”

Schwarzenegger’s post, which concluded with a link to Vote.org, struck a chord with followers who resonated with his call for unity and his honest critique of the current state of politics. The post has since gone viral, with supporters and critics alike reacting to the bold stance taken by the former governor.

As someone who’s always championed American ideals and held a unique perspective as an immigrant-turned-citizen, Schwarzenegger’s endorsement of Harris and Walz marks a significant moment in the 2024 election season.