Leonardo DiCaprio Endorses Kamala Harris, Urges Climate Action \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Leonardo DiCaprio has publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president, highlighting her commitment to addressing climate change and building a sustainable economy. In an Instagram video, DiCaprio cited Harris’ ambitious climate targets and recent hurricanes as evidence of an urgent need for action. This endorsement aligns him with other high-profile supporters of Harris, such as Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, and Meryl Streep.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris: Quick Look
- Public Endorsement: DiCaprio posts video backing Harris for president.
- Focus on Climate: Emphasizes climate change’s impact on environment, economy.
- Hollywood Support: Joins stars like Oprah, Taylor Swift in endorsing Harris.
- Policy Praise: Supports Harris’ emissions goals and Inflation Reduction Act role.
- Contrast with Trump: Criticizes Trump’s climate stance and policy rollbacks.
Deep Look
In a bold endorsement on Instagram, Academy Award-winning actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio has announced his support for Kamala Harris in her presidential run, placing climate change and sustainability at the forefront of his decision. Known for his activism and long-standing dedication to environmental causes, DiCaprio voiced his support for the Democratic nominee in a video message, highlighting Harris’ ambitious climate goals and condemning the policies of former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. “Climate change is killing the earth and ruining our economy,” DiCaprio stated in the video. “We need a bold step forward to save our economy, our planet, and ourselves. That’s why I’m voting for Kamala Harris.”
DiCaprio’s endorsement comes at a crucial time in the 2024 campaign season, with less than two weeks remaining until Election Day. His call for action addresses what he sees as the urgent need to combat climate change, which he describes as a threat not only to the environment but also to economic stability. Pointing to the recent devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, DiCaprio framed these natural disasters as “unnatural,” attributing their increased severity to climate change and its impacts. In his Instagram caption, DiCaprio underscored this perspective, stating that the consequences of climate change have moved beyond environmental impacts, affecting the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of communities nationwide.
In his video, DiCaprio lauded Harris’ commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, a central piece of her climate platform that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming. This goal aligns with the ambitious targets set in the Paris Climate Agreement, an international accord to limit global temperature increases, which the U.S. had withdrawn from during Trump’s presidency. DiCaprio highlighted Harris’ support for renewable energy projects, her push for sustainable infrastructure, and her advocacy for policies that reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. These efforts, he argued, are critical to transforming the economy in ways that preserve natural resources and promote job growth in emerging green industries.
As vice president, Harris played a significant role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a historic piece of legislation that targets climate resilience, clean energy investment, and emissions reduction. DiCaprio pointed out that this act would not have passed without Harris’ tie-breaking vote in the Senate. This climate-focused legislation, considered a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris administration’s environmental strategy, has provided billions of dollars for clean energy incentives, electric vehicle adoption, and programs designed to lower emissions. DiCaprio expressed his belief that Harris’ support for the IRA demonstrates a commitment to tackling the climate crisis while helping to drive economic growth.
The IRA represents a marked shift toward climate accountability, with goals to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. DiCaprio praised these targets, suggesting that Harris’ policy approach could set the U.S. on a path to meet and even exceed international climate benchmarks, potentially inspiring other nations to follow suit. “Our economy and our planet are at stake,” DiCaprio said. “Kamala Harris has the courage and the plan we need.”
In addition to expressing support for Harris, DiCaprio criticized Donald Trump for his record on environmental issues, drawing attention to Trump’s 2017 decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, which DiCaprio described as a setback for global climate efforts. The actor also cited Trump’s rollbacks on environmental protections as damaging to efforts to combat climate change. “Trump continues to deny the facts and deny the science,” DiCaprio asserted in the video. “He has shown an indifference to the truth that we cannot afford in a leader.” Trump’s environmental record includes reversing over 100 environmental regulations, weakening air quality standards, and easing restrictions on fossil fuel industries—moves that have been met with criticism from environmental organizations and climate scientists. DiCaprio’s remarks add to a growing narrative among environmental advocates who argue that Trump’s policies have hindered the country’s ability to confront the climate crisis.
DiCaprio’s support for Harris places him among a growing list of high-profile celebrities and entertainers rallying behind her campaign. Alongside DiCaprio, figures such as Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Chris Rock, and George Clooney have voiced their support for Harris, leveraging their platforms to encourage voter turnout and public awareness. The vice president’s recent campaign events have also drawn influential personalities, with Harris holding a rally in the Atlanta suburbs on Thursday night alongside former President Barack Obama and musician Bruce Springsteen. Harris’ campaign has adopted Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” as an anthem, with the artist expected to join Harris for a rally in Houston, as reported by The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Trump has received endorsements from his own roster of celebrity supporters, including tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, actor Dennis Quaid, comedian Roseanne Barr, and musician Kid Rock. While both candidates have garnered notable endorsements, the Hollywood support for Harris reflects a concentrated effort by public figures who view climate change, civil rights, and economic reform as central issues in the 2024 election.
DiCaprio’s advocacy for environmental causes has been evident throughout his career. The actor founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, an organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and climate change solutions, and has frequently used his platform to promote environmental awareness. In December 2016, DiCaprio and the head of his foundation met with then-president-elect Trump to discuss how sustainable, environmentally friendly jobs could boost the U.S. economy. Though DiCaprio expressed optimism following the meeting, he later expressed disappointment with Trump’s lack of follow-through on environmental policies and priorities. In endorsing Harris, DiCaprio underscored his commitment to a leader he believes is serious about tackling climate change, protecting natural resources, and prioritizing sustainability.
With the election fast approaching, DiCaprio’s endorsement aims to spotlight the climate crisis as a pressing issue, one that demands urgent attention from voters. By aligning himself with Harris, DiCaprio signals a call for policies that place environmental responsibility and economic reform at the forefront of the national agenda. As DiCaprio joins a host of other public figures championing Harris’ candidacy, his endorsement highlights the growing support for a political approach that regards climate policy as essential for the country’s future.
Leonardo
