Hollywood figures react to Democratic midterm wins over Trump
Following the November 3, 2026, United States midterm elections, the Democratic Party secured majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, delivering a significant rebuke to Donald Trump and drawing immediate, satirical reactions from Hollywood figures and late-night television hosts.
Democratic Midterm Triumphs in Congress
The voting results delivered a severe blow to the incumbent administration as Democrats captured the House of Representatives and secured the Senate, while also stripping governorships from Republican opponents in Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas. For President Trump, the loss of both chambers represents a severe setback.
As the entertainment industry responded with online celebrations and televised mockery, Jimmy Kimmel stood out as the only TV entertainer to broadcast live on election night. Recording his ABC show later than usual to incorporate incoming figures, Kimmel deployed sharp pop-culture metaphors to characterize the night’s outcome.
The blue wave made landfall and now the red wedding begins.
Kimmel remarked on air, referencing the massacre in the fantasy series Game of Thrones. He also joked that Trump spent the day inside the White House watching Fox News and running out of dipping-sauce containers to hurl at his television set.
Late-Night Satire Versus Social Media Jubilation
The tone across different media reflected a contrast between election coverage and unbridled celebrity celebration. Online coverage documented a wave of viral memes referencing popular streaming series such as The White Lotus and The Whale, while traditional Hollywood figures took to social media to voice their relief.
Eighty-year-old singer and actress Bette Midler posted an ecstatic reaction on Instagram, writing that America had saved its beloved country. Actor John Leguizamo wrote on Instagram that they had done it and would now bring the chaos back into order. Actress Gina Gershon posted a video of a massive ocean wave referencing the Democratic Party and the much-cited “blue tsunami.”
T-Online highlighted how earlier campaign rhetoric came back to haunt the White House. Kimmel pointed out during his monologue that after public commentary regarding endorsements and physical appearances from prominent supporters like Nicki Minaj, the only thing on the president’s mind was the decisive rebuke handed down by voters at the ballot box.
Other prominent figures who had called for support of the Democrats in the days leading up to the vote included Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lawrence, Tom Hanks, and Bruce Springsteen.
The loss of both chambers is a severe setback for President Trump and his Republicans.