“All of the women on ‘The Apprentice’ flirted with me — consciously or unconsciously. That is to be expected.” – Donald Trump

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has been the “highlight” of the year. During presidential debates, many people, as well as news agencies, were shocked by the often explicitly racially and sexually offensive remarks from Trump. Surely, Hillary Clinton is not a huge step away from where Trump stands in terms of popularity, but Trump seems to have won more hate from the public (amNewYork), especially from celebrities who have spoken against him using their public social medias.

“It looks like this year’s presidential election contains some of the most controversial debates,” said Nuri Choi (11), a Government and Politics student. “Since Trump is a very scandalous figure, it does not strike me as a surprise to find so many celebrities publically speak about him and shut him down. Rather, I think these celebrities do have their rights to speak publically about their political ideals, even though they are taking advantage of their fame among the public.”

“Trumpland,” a film released by the renowned “Bowling for Columbine” director Michael Moore, is an example of one of the ways celebrities impact public opinion through their recognition and fame. Instead of sticking to his usual investigative documentary style of film, Moore urgently called for an action to the audience—that America, once a great country, would be sullied by the deeds of Trump. For instance, Moore strategically attacks the “disillusioned” voters of all parties by comparing them to the citizens of the UK who abused the ballot as a way to release their anger and now have to deal with the consequences of Brexit.

“I’ve watched some parts of Moore’s new film about Trump,” said Lena Park (10), a viewer of “Trumpland”. “I did not have the chance to watch other documentaries by Moore so I can’t stretch on this idea but I can definitely see how people of high authorities like Moore are trying to politically influence the public. Personally, I don’t think celebrities should sway public opinions on the upcoming election merely by using their fame and power to portray each candidates on a negative note.”

Likewise, Eminem has grounded his political position by releasing an anti-Trump single, “Campaign Speech”. This eight-minute track was released on Oct. 20, and encompasses Eminem’s rage toward the Republican nominee with rap lines containing adult content. Part of his lyrics, for example, states, “That’s what you wanted? A … loose cannon who’s blunt with his hand on the button / Who doesn’t have to answer to no one? Great idea!” Such explicitly opinionated tracks can certainly impact the political opinions of the public, and fans especially, as celebrities hold the power to make screen appearances.

“Celebrities, either fortunately or unfortunately, have the power to say a few words on screen and leave significant changes,” said Hailey Ahn (11), a political enthusiast. “Although I agree with the stance both Moore and Eminem are taking, I do not think celebrities or any figures of high authority and popularity should step in and meddle with the political system. Let the people think and choose their political ideals on their own!”

Trump has been dominating the newsroom for months now this year. Perhaps it may be the blown up portrayal of Trump, or perhaps, merely his words has turned Trump into a devil-like figure. Whatever the reasons are, celebrities seem to be exacerbating the political situation by marking their opinions through public platforms.