Which celebrities publicly criticized Trump and later reported threats or harassment?
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Executive summary
Several well-known entertainers publicly criticized Donald Trump and later said their work or public statements were targeted or used by Trump’s team — notably musicians who objected to the administration using their songs in pro-government or campaign videos (Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA) and high-profile Hollywood figures who publicly condemned Trump’s remarks (Rob Reiner drew celebrity pushback after Trump blamed his death; Patrick Schwarzenegger and Whoopi Goldberg publicly reacted) [1] [2] [3]. Available sources document objections over music use and public condemnations but do not comprehensively list each celebrity who reported threats or harassment after criticizing Trump; such claims are not detailed in the current reporting [1] [2].
1. Music rights fights: celebrities who objected when the White House used their songs
A clear, well-documented pattern in 2025 involves pop artists publicly calling out the White House or Trump team for using their music in pro-administration videos. Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo both criticized the administration after their songs were used in videos linked to ICE or deportation messaging; SZA also protested unauthorized use of “Big Boys” in a White House video, and multiple outlets summarized these artist protests [1] [3]. Coverage frames these incidents as artists protecting their work and reputations rather than private threats; the stories emphasize copyright and political objection [1] [3].
2. Celebrity condemnations of Trump’s rhetoric: public backlash after a high-profile comment
When Trump blamed the death of Rob Reiner on Reiner’s dislike of him, numerous celebrities and lawmakers condemned the remark. Reporting notes Patrick Schwarzenegger called it “disgusting and vile” and Whoopi Goldberg publicly defended Reiner, illustrating how a president’s attack can prompt an immediate celebrity backlash [2]. The Guardian live coverage shows cross-party condemnation but does not say those celebrities then reported harassment tied to their criticism [2].
3. Distinguishing legal objections from claims of harassment or threats
Most sources focus on two distinct responses from celebrities: legal or public objections (for example, cease-and-desist or public statements about misuse of music) and moral or rhetorical condemnation of Trump’s words. The music disputes are framed as intellectual-property and reputational fights [1] [3]; the reaction to Trump’s comments about Reiner was public moral outrage [2]. Available sources do not detail celebrities reporting specific, subsequent threats or harassment directly tied to those criticisms in these items [1] [2].
4. Historical patterns and celebrity strategy: some speak out, many stay cautious
Longer-form reporting and opinion pieces note that while many celebrities criticized Trump over years, others have become more cautious about naming him directly or continuing vocal opposition (The Hill; The Guardian). The Hill observed a shift toward avoiding saying Trump’s name aloud in public commentary, suggesting a strategic retreat from confrontational public political speech among some entertainers [4]. The Guardian’s cultural piece argues that celebrity influence on voting is limited and some stars now distance themselves from political gaggles, which affects who speaks up and who might face backlash [5].
5. What reporting shows and what it does not
The supplied articles and lists catalogue many celebrities who have criticized Trump and several artists who complained about unauthorized musical usage [1] [3] [6]. They document immediate public reactions to Trump’s comments about figures like Rob Reiner [2]. They do not, however, provide a systematic roster of celebrities who were both publicly critical and later reported threats or harassment directly connected to that criticism; such incidents are not mentioned in these sources [1] [2] [4].
6. Competing narratives and implicit agendas in coverage
Entertainment outlets focus on artists’ rights and reputation (HollywoodLife, PinkNews), which centers victims framed as creators whose work was misused [1] [3]. Political outlets and opinion pieces (The Hill, The Guardian) emphasize strategic celebrity behavior and the limits of star influence; that framing can minimize the impact of threats or harassment by treating celebrity silence as tactical rather than fear-driven [4] [5]. Readers should note those differing emphases reflect editorial priorities: cultural protection of art versus political analysis of celebrity influence [1] [4] [5].
Limitations: these sources summarize notable incidents through late 2025 but do not compile an exhaustive list of celebrities who both criticized Trump and subsequently reported threats or harassment; the latter claim is not found in the current reporting provided [1] [2].