Leonardo DiCaprio joins forces with Kamala Harris in presidential bid

In December 2016, DiCaprio had met with Trump, then president-elect, to discuss how environmentally-focused jobs could help the economy.

By: Express Web Desk

October 26, 2024 03:27 AM IST

2 min read

DiCaprio highlighted Harris' commitment to combating the climate crisis, noting her role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act and her ambitious target for net-zero emissions by 2050. (File Photo)

Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for the US presidency, expressing his support in a video shared on Instagram on Friday. “Climate change is destroying our planet and hurting our economy. We need bold action to protect both,” DiCaprio said. “That’s why I’m voting for Kamala Harris.”

A long-time environmental advocate, DiCaprio highlighted Harris’ commitment to combating the climate crisis, noting her role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act and her ambitious target for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Also read | Trump vs Harris: Why America’s two-party election has too many factors at play

He also referenced the destruction from recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton as evidence of the urgent need for climate action. As vice president, Harris cast the deciding vote on President Joe Biden’s climate bill, a measure that passed with only Democratic backing.

In his video, DiCaprio also criticised former president Donald Trump for reversing environmental policies and withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement. Trump, DiCaprio argued, “continues to deny the science” behind climate change.

With Election Day approaching, Harris has drawn support from high-profile figures including Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Chris Rock, and George Clooney.

Also read | What Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump means for state power vs reproductive rights — in America and beyond

On Thursday night, she held a rally in the Atlanta suburbs with former President Barack Obama and musician Bruce Springsteen, while Beyoncé, whose song “Freedom” is a campaign anthem, is expected to attend Harris’ Houston rally on Friday, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters include high-profile figures like Elon Musk, Dennis Quaid, Roseanne Barr, and Kid Rock. In December 2016, DiCaprio had met with Trump, then president-elect, to discuss how environmentally-focused jobs could help the economy.

(with inputs from AP)

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