In the aftermath of President-elect Donald Trump’s resounding 2024 victory, liberal reactions continue to pour in, some more outlandish than others. Singer Elton John is the latest to weigh in, suggesting Trump’s decisive win over Vice President Kamala Harris may have played a role in the dismal performance of his new Broadway musical, *Tammy Faye*.
In an interview with *Time* magazine, John lamented the show’s failure, noting the hard work poured into the production. “It’s a shame for everyone who put so much work in it,” he said, before adding, “But that’s what happens when you take a chance.”
The musical, centered on the controversial lives of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker and her husband Jim Bakker, was touted as a bold, politically charged project. According to John and his partner, David Furnish, the show’s flop was linked to the political climate following Trump’s victory. “It’s a fairly political piece of work,” John explained. “And with that, you have to press somebody’s buttons. The buttons we pressed last night with the critics weren’t the right ones.”
This is a curious admission, as it underscores how detached many in the entertainment industry are from the sentiments of everyday Americans. While John lamented the lack of connection with audiences, it’s hard to ignore that the message of *Tammy Faye* may have simply failed to resonate in a country energized by Trump’s promises to restore American greatness.
Interestingly, John struck a more lighthearted tone when reflecting on Trump’s longtime appreciation of his music. The singer recounted Trump’s use of the nickname “Rocket Man” for North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un during his presidency, a moniker inspired by John’s iconic song. “I laughed, I thought it was brilliant,” John admitted. “Good on you, Donald. The Rocket Man, yeah.” He went on to acknowledge that Trump has been a fan of his music and has attended many of his concerts over the years.
This contrast between John’s political project and his personal anecdotes highlights a divide between Hollywood’s increasingly alienating narratives and the broader American culture that propelled Trump back into the White House.
Meanwhile, on the losing side of the election, Vice President Kamala Harris has been rallying her supporters with calls for persistence and optimism. Hosting a livestream to address her team and followers, Harris expressed gratitude for their efforts. “I’m so thankful for your love of our country and your willingness to put the work into it,” she said.
While Harris attempted to inspire her base with messages about staying engaged, it’s clear that the energy on the left is waning. The rhetoric of “not giving up” belies the crushing defeat her campaign faced against Trump’s message of strength, sovereignty, and national pride.
Harris encouraged her followers to hold onto their “power,” but the reality is clear: the American people have spoken. Trump’s victory represents a seismic shift away from the progressive ideals that dominated recent years. For entertainers and politicians alike, it might be time to consider why their message no longer resonates with the heart of the nation.
