The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States in 2016 was a turning point that not only sparked intense political debate but also affected many sectors of American life. One of the more unexpected ripple effects has been the departure of several high-profile celebrities from the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Since Trump’s reelection bid and subsequent return to the political stage, some celebrities, deeply disillusioned by the political climate, have decided to take a stand by leaving the platform. This wasn’t just a matter of a single moment of frustration—it was a sign of broader discontent, especially following changes made by Elon Musk after his purchase of Twitter in October 2022.
Musk, who has developed a strong association with Trump in recent years, had already made waves during the 2020 election by publicly supporting Trump’s campaign. His $75 million investment in Trump’s political endeavors demonstrated just how closely aligned the two men had become. However, Musk’s involvement with Twitter (now X) and the changes he introduced were met with considerable backlash, even from those who had been vocal in their support of free speech and technology innovation.
Upon acquiring Twitter, Musk didn’t just change the name; he overhauled the platform’s certification system, algorithm, and monetization model. These changes, especially the shift in the platform’s verification process, sparked frustration among users, leading to an exodus of celebrities who were once active participants. While some of Musk’s new initiatives, like community notes, have been somewhat well-received, the overall feeling among many was that the platform was no longer what it once was.
A number of prominent figures, particularly from the entertainment world, voiced their dissatisfaction by quitting the platform altogether. Celebrities like Kathy Griffin, Shonda Rhimes, and Gigi Hadid were among those who made their exits. For these stars, the decision to leave X wasn’t just about the changes Musk implemented—it was a statement of their own disillusionment with the growing political polarization in the U.S., symbolized by the Trump administration’s influence on the social media landscape.
Take Griffin, for example. Known for her sharp political commentary, she had been a regular presence on Twitter, often using the platform to voice her opposition to Trump’s policies. But after Musk’s acquisition and the increasing rise of right-wing voices on the platform, Griffin said she felt that the environment was no longer conducive to meaningful, productive discussion. Similarly, Shonda Rhimes, creator of popular TV series like Grey’s Anatomy, cited the need for a healthier social media experience as her reason for leaving.
Hadid, too, publicly announced her departure, citing concerns over the platform’s treatment of its users and its role in the broader social and political landscape. For these celebrities, leaving X was more than just about the changes to the platform—it was about their personal values and a desire to protect their mental health in an increasingly toxic digital space.
In some ways, these departures reflect a larger trend among public figures choosing to distance themselves from platforms they no longer feel align with their values. It’s not just about politics—it’s about how those politics are manifesting in spaces meant for conversation and connection.
Whether or not these celebrities will return to X (or its competitors) remains to be seen. But what is clear is that the intersection of politics, celebrity culture, and social media continues to evolve, with the fallout of Trump’s presidency and Musk’s leadership at the forefront of this shift.
It’s a reminder that the digital world isn’t just a place for entertainment or marketing—it’s a space where the political and social currents that shape our society play out in real-time. And for some, stepping away is a way of taking a stand, or simply preserving some peace of mind.
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Jason R. Parker is a curious and creative writer who excels at turning complex topics into simple, practical advice to improve everyday life. With extensive experience in writing lifestyle tips, he helps readers navigate daily challenges, from time management to mental health. He believes that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow.
