After endorsing President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign in 2020, actor and WWE star Dwayne Johnson, also known as “the Rock,” has decided that he will not be making the same move in the 2024 election.
Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” Johnson said that he thought throwing his support for Biden publicly was “the best decision for me” in 2020. However, he is now unhappy with the state of the U.S. under Biden and will not be backing the president’s reelection efforts.
“Am I happy with the state of America right now? Well, that answer is no. Do I believe we’re going to get better? I believe in that. I’m an optimistic guy,” Johnson stated.
“The endorsement that I made years ago with Biden was one that I thought was the best decision for me at that time. And I thought back then … ‘Hey, I’m in this position where I have some influence,’ … and I felt like that then that it’s my job to exercise my influence and share with [people] this is who I’m going to endorse. Am I going to do that again this year? That answer is no,” he added.
In November, Johnson said that he has friends in the Hollywood industry who do not support Biden even though they are “loyal” to the Democratic Party.
“Dude, it’s the craziest thing. I have friends who support [former President Donald] Trump. I have friends who support [President Joe] Biden,” he told Joe Rogan on his show.
When Rogan asked if he really has friends who support Biden, he responded, “Oh no, no, no, no, no, here’s what I do. I have friends. Thank you. That’s a good check because that’s important. This is important context. … I have friends who are loyal to the [Democratic] Party.”
Johnson endorsed Biden and Kamala Harris’ campaign in September 2020, months before the general election. In what he said was his “first ever public presidential endorsement,” he wrote, “As a political independent and centrist for many years, I’ve voted for Democrats in the past and as well as Republican[s].”
“In this critical election, I believe Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the best to lead our country, and as my first ever (public) Presidential endorsement, I proudly endorse them for the presidential office of our United States,” he added.
Johnson, who calls himself an independent, also announced his endorsement for the then-presidential candidate and his running mate in a video chat.
“You guys are obviously experienced to lead. Joe, you’ve done some great things. You’ve had such an incredible career. You’ve led in my opinion with great compassion and heart and drive, but also soul,” he said in the video shared by Biden.
Thank you @TheRock for your support at this critical moment for our nation.
You said it best: This election is about earning the respect of the American people. It’s about decency. It’s about electing leaders who tell the truth.
Thanks again, DJ. Next time we’re talking cars. pic.twitter.com/V5kHR5fQbe
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 27, 2020