Renowned actor and WWE icon Dwayne Johnson, commonly known as “The Rock,” announced his decision to abstain from publicly endorsing a presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 election, marking a departure from his support for President Joe Biden in the 2020 race against former President Donald Trump.
Speaking on “Fox & Friends” on a Friday morning, Johnson reflected on his previous endorsement of Biden, stating that while he deemed it the right choice at the time, he now harbors dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the United States. “Am I happy with the state of America right now? Well, that answer is no,” Johnson expressed, highlighting his discontent. However, he remained steadfast in his optimism, asserting his belief in the nation’s capacity for improvement.
Explaining his rationale behind endorsing Biden in 2020, Johnson emphasized his sense of duty to leverage his influence for what he perceived as a beneficial decision. “The endorsement that I made years ago with Biden was one that I thought was the best decision for me at that time,” Johnson elucidated, adding, “And I thought back then … ‘Hey, I’m in this position where I have some influence,’ … and I felt like that then that it’s my job to exercise my influence and share with [people] this is who I’m going to endorse.”
However, when pressed on whether he would repeat such an endorsement in the current election cycle, Johnson firmly stated, “That answer is no,” signifying a shift in his approach to political involvement.
Johnson’s remarks on “Fox & Friends” echo sentiments he shared earlier on a podcast hosted by Joe Rogan, where he discussed the political affiliations of his acquaintances within Hollywood circles. Reflecting on the diversity of opinions among his friends, Johnson highlighted the existence of supporters for both Trump and Biden. When questioned by Rogan about having friends who support Biden, Johnson clarified that his friends were primarily loyal to the Democratic Party rather than to Biden personally.
The actor’s decision to refrain from public political endorsements in the 2024 election underscores a nuanced perspective on political engagement, reflecting a desire to maintain neutrality and prioritize the complexities of individual viewpoints within a polarized landscape.
As Johnson navigates his role as a public figure, his stance serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful deliberation and the recognition of diverse perspectives in shaping political discourse and engagement.