Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg’s recent endorsement of Robert Kennedy Jr. for president has stirred significant controversy across social media platforms. As the 2024 general election approaches, many celebrities have voiced their support for leading candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden. However, a segment of the entertainment community, including Wahlberg and McCarthy, are throwing their support behind RFK Jr., an environmental lawyer who, after initially entering the race as a Democrat, declared his independent candidacy in October 2023.
The couple publicly declared their support for Kennedy in a video posted to Instagram this past Saturday. “I’m endorsing Bobby for president,” McCarthy stated in the video, with Wahlberg adding, “Our dear friend Bobby,” before they both cheered, “Go Bobby.”
The endorsement quickly became a focal point for heated debates in the comments section of the post. Critics argued that supporting RFK Jr. could inadvertently detract from Biden’s votes. One user, Missy Vee Kay, expressed dismay, commenting, “Imagine being proud to endorse a guy who only stands a chance of ruining the country by taking a small portion of votes and handing the election to a traitor.” Another user, Brenda, voiced her preference for sticking with the Democrats: “Trump & RFKJr sound like they have the same Values & Beliefs so I’ll Stay [blue].”
Conversely, some expressed concern that Kennedy’s campaign might siphon votes from Trump, with Trump himself recently labeling the 70-year-old Kennedy a “Democrat plant” meant to bolster Biden’s chances. “@mzmikayla” remarked on this strategy: “He’s a Democrat in independent clothing… The last thing the country needs is another Democrat in our [White House].”
Despite the backlash, some social media users applauded the endorsement. “@annasaidit” dismissed the critics as “whiny teens,” urging them to “Grow a pair.” Diomedes Raul Bermudez called it a move of “Celebs [with] courage,” and Alvaro Ramirez expressed his fatigue with the current political dialogue: “This is nice, I’m tired of the Biden Trump b*******.” Meanwhile, supporter Karla voiced her optimism: “Go Kennedy 2024! It’s time for a change.”
Newsweek has contacted Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny McCarthy, and Robert Kennedy Jr. for further comments via email.
