The Empire State Building, one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, became a beacon of celebration early Wednesday morning, lighting up in a bold red as Donald Trump secured victories in the crucial swing states of North Carolina and Georgia. The vibrant display, which lasted for five minutes each time, sparked outrage among left-wing commentators and Democrats, who accused the building of symbolizing the “end of democracy.”
The iconic skyscraper’s red lights were first activated at 11:22 p.m. after the Associated Press declared Trump the winner in North Carolina. Then, once again at 1 a.m., the Empire State Building illuminated in red to mark Trump’s victory in Georgia. The announcement sent a surge of electricity through the city, as supporters of the former president celebrated the key swing state wins, with Trump inching ever closer to a commanding position in the 2024 election.
The building’s official social media account shared the news, noting that the landmark would shine red or blue for five minutes after each battleground state was called, an acknowledgment of the intense political drama unfolding in real-time. Despite the brief and celebratory nature of the displays, the reaction from many left-leaning New Yorkers and Democrats was swift and vehement.
Social media exploded with frustration, with one user sarcastically commenting, “Celebrating the end to Democracy. Wow.” Another frustrated observer railed, “THIS STUPID F—ING ACCOUNT YOU’RE LITERALLY IN NEW YORK,” unable to reconcile the visual tribute to a Republican victory in a traditionally blue state. Others went even further, with one person demanding, “May Zeus himself strike this building down.”
As the Empire State Building gleamed red, the growing tension on the left was palpable. Many took issue with what they viewed as the building’s unexpected celebration of Trump’s success. The frustration was not just political but emotional, as liberals struggled to process the shift in momentum, particularly after Vice President Kamala Harris’ poor performance in New York City—once seen as a Democratic stronghold.
In response to the backlash, the Empire State Building’s official Twitter account quickly clarified that the lighting display was a pre-planned decision tied to the election results. “As a reminder, we will be sparkling for all battleground state calls from the Associated Press,” the account posted, attempting to defuse the anger by emphasizing the nonpartisan nature of the light displays.
The red lights were intended as a neutral gesture, meant to celebrate the democratic process and the calls for both sides of the political spectrum. However, the intense reaction from Democrats reveals just how deep the partisan divide runs—and how emotionally charged this election has become.
For conservatives, the red glow was a symbol of victory, a victory that sent a clear message to both the nation and the world: Donald Trump was poised to return to the White House, supported by millions of Americans who were disillusioned by the current administration’s policies. For many Democrats, however, it was a reminder of the political shift they cannot control—and a symbol of their worst fears coming to fruition.
While the Empire State Building’s light show may have been brief, its impact will likely be felt much longer as the political and cultural landscape shifts in ways that may have seemed unthinkable just a few short years ago. Trump’s rise has ignited passions on both sides of the aisle, and in a city that prides itself on being the beating heart of progressive politics, a simple lighting display became yet another flashpoint in the ongoing culture war.
