Let the Democrats' darkest fears come to fruition. As Tuesday night descended upon Hollywood, the entertainment capital was gripped by dread, contemplating the specter of Donald Trump's triumphant return to the presidency in 2024, with the former commander-in-chief systematically capturing state after state. Yet, a glimmer of hope lingered into Wednesday morning, like a fleeting echo of 2020's dramatic turn, hinging on the pivotal swing states forming the formidable 'Blue Wall.' However, that fragile beacon of optimism was shattered when the Associated Press declared Pennsylvania for Trump, virtually securing his return to the Oval Office.
Even before an official pronouncement ended the presidential race, Trump, unable to contain his eagerness, proclaimed victory at his jubilant celebration at Mar-a-Lago, hitting the stage at an ungodly hour of 2:30 a.m. ET. In his characteristic rambling and boastful manner, the ex-president hailed his "magnificent" triumph.
The social media sphere quickly erupted in response to Trump's inevitable win, even before Pennsylvania's fate was sealed. Prominent Democrats and Hollywood elite expressed their dismay and outlined their trepidations for a future under a second Trump administration.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker and activist Adam McKay didn't mince his words on X, delivering a scorching indictment of the Democratic establishment. "Who could have foreseen that lying about Biden's cognitive decline for two years, refusing to hold an open convention for a fresh nominee, neglecting to advocate for public healthcare, embracing fracking, the Cheneys, and a year-long massacre of children in Gaza wouldn't spell victory? Anyone possessing a single functioning neuron?" McKay lamented. He further remarked, "I thought liberals prided themselves on intelligence? Apparently not. They merely applaud the shaky optics wrapped in the revered New York Times typeface that passes as the modern Democratic Party? Well, it's time for the stale, career-driven hacks to spread their wings post-election and blame Russia or third-party candidates. Surely, that'll fix everything."
David Sirota, a journalist and former Bernie Sanders advisor who co-wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for 'Don’t Look Up' alongside McKay, was his usual frank self on social media. He tweeted, "This is indeed a dire night. Some of us spent years cautioning Democrats to take working-class politics seriously and to steer clear of neoconservatives. We did so in the hope of averting this disaster, yet we were branded traitors by Democratic elites and liberal pundits. There's a valuable lesson to be learned here."
Christina Applegate, exasperated to the core, posted a tweet that resonated with desperation: "Why? What are your reasons, really????? My child is inconsolable, her tears streaming as she fears her rights as a woman might be stripped away. Why? And if you disagree, then kindly unsubscribe from my feed."
Franklin Leonard, the founder of the Black List, was a whirlwind of activity on social media on election night. Among his numerous tweets, one stood out on X: "Too many of you seem to have forgotten the tumultuous chaos of the Trump era." Early Wednesday morning, he added: "I'm uncertain about what transpired just now, and I'm reasonably certain no one else has a clear picture too."
David Simon, the genius behind 'The Wire,' 'Treme,' and 'The Deuce,' directed his fury squarely at the X platform. On Tuesday night, he tweeted that the "hellish" X would turn into "a fetid cesspool of deceit and misinformation tonight and for days to come. It was bought and reshaped for this exact purpose. Brace yourself for a nonstop barrage of hyperbole, falsehoods, and petulant fury. Yet, keep moving forward, towards the light. We can indeed rise above this." By Wednesday morning, Simon had announced, in all likelihood, his departure from the platform: "A dormant account, currently unmonitored by this social media site's management. I'll return to share any future platforms, but until then, stay strong. God bless us all, even the lowest of the low."
Yvette Nicole Brown, heartbroken, tweeted about Sherrod Brown's defeat in Ohio's senate race and Trump's overwhelming victory. The 'Community' actress penned: "Sherrod Brown's loss in Ohio is a blow to Ohio and our nation. This disgrace transcends comprehension. My hometown, Ohio, chose a criminal. And it seems this nation is doing the same. America is laying bare its true colors tonight. Just laying bare."
Similarly appalled, John Cusack tweeted on X: "The nation's decision to implode by voting in a convicted rapist felon and Nazi is a stark sign of profound nihilism. That's putting it mildly."
Philip Pullman, the British author whose 'His Dark Materials' books have been adapted into movies and series, tweeted on X with a touch of sadness: "Goodbye, America. It was a pleasure knowing you."
Paul Walter Hauser, the Emmy-winning actor and occasional wrestler, cracked a joke on X: "For breakfast, I had a pack of Double Stuffed Oreos and a cigarillo. Just in case anyone's considering a wellness check on me!"
Desus Nice, the former co-host of 'Desus and Mero,' tweeted about the results: "America is having a gender reveal party that's starting a wildfire that will burn for 30 days straight."
The comedian and actor Travon Free tweeted with sarcasm: "Let's give all the credit to @nytimes for tonight's outcome. They really worked hard to make Trump look like a viable alternative to Kamala, and well..."
Kevin McHale, the star of 'Glee,' was utterly desolate and terrified of what Trump's victory implied. He tweeted: "The Supreme Court is lost for the rest of my life. Ultra-conservative evangelical bigotry, xenophobia, and racism are now the mandate."
