Jennifer Lawrence’s Initial Reaction to Trump’s Election
When Donald Trump was elected president in 2016, Jennifer Lawrence remarked that her “head exploded.” A former Republican from Kentucky, which voted for Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024, she spoke out vehemently against him during his first term, even claiming in 2015 that his election would signify “the end of the world.” Lawrence supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 and endorsed Biden and Harris for the 2020 and 2024 elections. Notably, she canvassed for Harris in Las Vegas ahead of the 2024 election.
Shifting Perspectives on Political Engagement
Recently, however, Lawrence is reconsidering whether to publicly oppose Trump. In an interview with The New York Times, she stated, “I don’t really know if I should.” Reflecting on her past actions, she mentioned feeling frantic during Trump’s first administration, realizing that celebrities might not significantly influence voter behavior. “What am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart,” she expressed, acknowledging the deep divisions in the nation.
Balancing Art and Politics
Lawrence indicated her awareness of her audience’s potential reactions to her political statements. “I’m in a complicated recalibration because I’m also an artist. I don’t want to turn people away from films and art that may change consciousness due to my political views,” she noted. She aims to protect her craft and only contribute to discussions that foster peace and solutions rather than exacerbate existing issues.
Previous Stance on Politics
Her recent remarks resonate with what she previously told Vanity Fair in 2018 about the importance of staying out of politics. “I’ve always thought it was wise to avoid political discussions,” she said, recognizing that a significant portion of her audience might not identify with her views. The rise of Trump prompted her to reassess this position.
Confrontation Fantasies and Advocacy
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey towards the end of Trump’s first year in office, she humorously described her desire to confront him publicly. “I’ve got a pretty good speech. And it ends with a martini to the face,” she said, indicating her frustration with political figures. Lawrence has explicitly cited reproductive rights as a primary motivation for her support of candidates like Kamala Harris, emphasizing the critical nature of this issue in elections.
Continuing Advocacy for Women’s Rights
Ahead of the 2024 election, Lawrence has voiced her belief that “Abortion is literally on the ballot.” Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, she remarked to Vogue that the political climate is dire, stating, “I can’t fuck with people who aren’t political anymore.”
Political Messages Through Film
Looking to the future, Lawrence hopes to make a political impact through her film projects. “I try to express my politics through my work,” she stated, mentioning that upcoming films from her production company will reflect the political landscape. Her company, Excellent Cadaver, has funded documentaries focused on women’s rights, including one about women’s experiences under the Taliban and another regarding restrictive abortion laws in Texas. Regarding Trump, she expressed that his second term feels distinctly different, as his previous actions were transparent and deliberate.
