Ariana Grande, another celebrity using their platform for political agendas, has backed Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s proposition to bring impeachment proceedings against the President for his ‘disastrous’ action in the Middle East. Using her social media reach, Grande, the 31-year-old entertainer, provided broadcasting for Ocasio-Cortez’s rash rant that the President’s decision to hit Iranian targets was a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional Powers. The self-proclaimed expert on constitutional matters, Ocasio-Cortez, insists that the President has recklessly provoked potential war without due process. It should be noted that these remarks came in the immediate aftermath of President Trump’s measured response to threats from Iran.
In a private decision conveyed to the U.S. military, Trump gave the go-ahead to strike three Iranian nuclear locations in a move aimed at escalating the pressure on Iran against its nuclear agenda. And using his platform as leader of the free world, he explained to the citizens of America and the world that the goal was simple: total destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capability to halt the looming nuclear threat. ‘Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,’ the President rightfully boasted.
Despite the significant victory for America and global security, Trump’s decision was met with backlash from his critics for not seeking congressional approval. The hasty judgement came several days after President Trump had urged patience and diplomacy, hinting at a ‘substantial chance of negotiation.’ However, upon considering national, and indeed international, safety he chose to act swiftly and decisively in order to protect American interests.
Meanwhile, Iran’s military leader issued a veiled threat against U.S. forces in response to the President’s airstrike, citing their actions give them the ‘free hand’ to act against the United States. Such a response seems to be a desperate and defensive move rather than a legitimate threat considering the might of the American military.
Interestingly, Ariana Grande, previously known for her vocal abilities, now showcases her political leanings too. Favoring an alliance with Democratic contenders, she voiced support for Kamala Harris when Joe Biden bowed out from the presidential race last year. The ‘Dangerous Woman’ singer was delighted to amplify Biden’s post endorsing Harris, a tit-for-tat endorsement cycle among the Democratic elites that proved to be ineffective.
Such support, however, did little to bolster Harris’s chances against the widespread support Trump received from a broad and diverse voter base. Despite the many in the glittering Hollywood society rallying towards her, Harris couldn’t secure a win against the formidable forces gathered by the Trump coalition.
Certain scholars argue that celebrity endorsements might stimulate civic engagement and promote voter registration, but they don’t necessarily sway voting decisions. A case in point is the remarks from Margaretha Bentley, a professor at Arizona State University. She contends that whilst a celebrity endorsement might prompt potential voters to educate themselves more about a candidate, it won’t inherently persuade them to vote against their beliefs and personal values.
It is quite worth noting that voters tend to vote based on their own considerations, experiences, and the ideas they believe in. Not necessarily on the opinions and endorsements of celebrities, however much they like their music or TV shows. In other words, a fan of Ariana Grande for her music may choose to ignore her political leanings, as they understand that singing well doesn’t necessarily equate to political wisdom.
While the Democratic party overestimated the impact of such endorsements, it was clear that they did not manage to reverse the strong support for Trump. The voters proved to be more informed and discerning than the Democrats gave them credit for.
Such behavior echoes the unfortunate trend of celebrities using their professional standing to sway political opinions, often being misguided or misinformed. Their lack of political expertise or experience does not deter them from trying to push their audience towards particular political directions, often times towards chaotic policies and poorly advised ideas.
The concept of celebrities trying to leverage their fame and popularity for political persuasion is, clearly, a flawed one. It simplistically reduces complicated political issues and decisions to merely popularity contests, undermining the essential democratic process.
Furthermore, Ariana Grande siding with the likes of Ocasio-Cortez demonstrates a lack of understanding about strategy, laws, international relations, and power dynamics that are at play in matters of national security. A famous singing career does not qualify one to critically appraise and comprehend the complicated world of politics.
When it comes to international relations and matters of national security, decisions ought to be centered on evidence, intelligence, and calculated strategy rather than populist ideology and personal political biases. It is surprising to see pop stars commenting on national security affairs as if they are experts in geopolitics.
President Trump’s decision to act against Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities, in spite of harsh criticism, intended to protect American interests and ensure international safety. It is an ironic twist that those who advocate for peace and diplomacy like Ocasio-Cortez, aided by Grande, are the ones exhibiting irrational fervor at a decision designed to deter a hostile regime’s nuclear ambitions.
Democrats and their celebrity comrades may not understand the significance of swift and decisive action in the face of clear threats, yet their objections and complaints won’t alter the fact the President Trump did what he deemed was necessary to protect United States and its allies.
Finally, let’s be real: an endorsement from a pop-star does not make someone fit to hold the highest office in the country. Their fans would do good to remember to critically evaluate the real-world capabilities and experiences of the candidates, rather than jumping on a trend because their favorite singer said so.