Staff Reports
In recent years, the phenomenon dubbed “Trump Derangement Syndrome” has become a cultural shorthand for the increasingly unhinged reactions of certain celebrities and public figures to former President Donald Trump and his supporters. This week, the spotlight falls on several Hollywood personalities- George Lopez, Kathy Griffin, Ellen DeGeneres, and George Clooney- whose public personas and personal choices have sparked debate about the intersection of politics, celebrity, and common sense.
George Lopez, once a staple of late-night comedy and beloved for his relatable sitcom, has resurfaced in the public eye looking almost unrecognizable. Once known for his sharp wit and everyman charm, Lopez’s recent appearances have prompted many to question whether his relentless anti-Trump rhetoric has taken a personal toll. His participation in political rallies and his transformation have become fodder for those who see Hollywood’s obsession with Trump as both performative and self-destructive. It’s a stark reminder that when entertainers trade in their credibility for political grandstanding, they risk alienating the very audiences that made them famous in the first place.
Kathy Griffin’s career, too, has become a cautionary tale. After her infamous photo shoot targeting Trump, Griffin faced widespread backlash that derailed her career. Despite her attempts to rebrand herself as a comedic “court jester” and a voice of resistance, she continues to double down on divisive rhetoric, lamenting the rise of comics who support Trump and labeling them “sycophants.” Instead of embracing the healing power of comedy, Griffin’s act has devolved into a bitter commentary on the state of the country, further illustrating how Hollywood’s echo chamber often amplifies resentment rather than reconciliation.
Once America’s daytime darling, Ellen DeGeneres has quietly exited the stage, relocating to the English countryside with her wife, Portia de Rossi. While some attribute her departure to the fallout from workplace allegations, others note the timing of her move coinciding with the political climate in the U.S. and Trump’s electoral resurgence. Rather than confronting her critics or seeking redemption, DeGeneres appears to have chosen retreat over resilience. It’s telling that when faced with adversity, some celebrities would rather flee than engage in the robust debate that defines American democracy.
Meanwhile, George Clooney’s life has become tabloid fodder, with reports of marital strife and conflicting priorities. Once celebrated for his suave demeanor and political activism, Clooney now finds himself embroiled in domestic disputes and career uncertainty. His recent Broadway success has not insulated him from the turbulence that seems to follow many in Hollywood’s elite circles, especially those who have made political virtue-signaling a central part of their public identity.
All of this unfolds as Hollywood’s relationship with the Democratic Party faces unprecedented strain. Major donors and industry heavyweights are openly questioning President Biden’s fitness for office after a series of public missteps, feeling deceived by the party establishment. The very celebrities who once wielded their influence to sway elections are now disillusioned, exposing the fragility of the alliance between left-leaning Hollywood and the Democratic machine. As the entertainment industry grapples with its internal contradictions, it’s clear that the real derangement might not be about Trump at all, but about a cultural elite so blinded by ideology that they’ve lost touch with the values of resilience, humility, and good old-fashioned common sense.
