The Rock Rejects Hollywood’s Political Obsession and Drama
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson told Esquire he is stepping back from political endorsements and Hollywood activism, expressing regret over his 2020 Biden endorsement amid frustration with divisive discourse.
The 54-year-old actor and former professional wrestler opened up about his decision to keep his political views private during an interview with Esquire magazine for its Summer Issue cover story, as New York Post reports.
Johnson explained that his primary focus is now firmly on his creative work rather than engaging in the political fray that has consumed much of the entertainment industry.
What I have learned through experience is that I need to keep the main thing the main thing, the “Moana” star said, emphasizing that his morning motivation centers on creating, art, and storytelling rather than political commentary.
The Hollywood heavyweight did not mince words about his distaste for the current state of political discourse, stating that while politics is omnipresent and forever, he has grown to hate the constant attacks and controversy that accompany it.
Responding to Springsteen’s Anti-Trump Campaign
Johnson’s comments came in response to questions about Bruce Springsteen’s overtly political “Land of Hope and Dreams Tour,” during which the 76-year-old rock legend has repeatedly launched attacks on President Donald Trump since March.
Rather than joining the chorus of Hollywood voices attacking the president, Johnson suggested a different approach: direct dialogue. He said his immediate reaction was that Springsteen and Trump should sit down and have a conversation, acknowledging this as an important step regardless of the outcome.
Regret Over Biden Endorsement
Johnson, who identifies as an Independent, made his first political endorsement during the 2020 election when he backed former President Joe Biden against Trump. However, he has since expressed significant regret over that decision.
During an April 2024 appearance on “Fox & Friends” with host Will Cain, Johnson confirmed he would not be endorsing any candidate in the 2024 presidential race, according to New York Post.
The actor revealed that his 2020 endorsement caused something that tears him up inside: division. After months of reflection, Johnson realized his political endorsement had created an incredible amount of division in the country, which fundamentally conflicts with his goal of bringing Americans together.
Johnson emphasized that while he is not afraid of political engagement, he has come to understand that given his level of influence, keeping his politics between himself and the ballot box is the right approach.
Condemned Assassination Attempt on Trump
Following the widely criticized debate performance by Biden in June 2024, the former president ended his reelection campaign in July and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Harris was subsequently defeated by Trump when he won a second term in November 2024.
Johnson publicly condemned the July 2024 assassination attempt against Trump and praised the president’s defiant response in the aftermath.
Speaking as a keynote speaker at The Value Conference in September 2024, Johnson stated that regardless of personal feelings about Trump, there is no room for assassination attempts in American democracy. He said Trump standing up at that moment reflected what Americans wanted to see, and that such violence is not who we are as a country.
The “Jumanji” star also shared that Trump had been a fan of his wrestling career and regularly attended his fights at Madison Square Garden in New York City, joking about their first meeting when Trump asked to see his famous eyebrows.
Rejection of Cancel Culture
During his interview with Cain, Johnson also addressed the toxic environment created by cancel culture and woke activism, stating that the easy cancel culture world and its accompanying division really bugs him.
The actor emphasized that being real, direct, open, and transparent is important to him, and that he has learned being honest is more important than worrying about being canceled. He framed the choice as either succumbing to what others want you to be or choosing authenticity.
With information from New York Post
