In a passionate video shared with his 61.2 million Instagram followers, Oscar-winning actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio endorsed Kamala Harris for president, citing her commitment to climate action as critical to the nation’s future. DiCaprio expressed his confidence in Harris’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and her vision for transforming the U.S. economy into a green powerhouse.
“Climate change is killing the Earth and ruining our economy,” DiCaprio said. “We need a bold step forward to save our economy, our planet, and ourselves. That’s why I’m voting for Kamala Harris.” The actor highlighted recent climate-linked disasters, including hurricanes Helene and Milton, as proof of the need for action. “Families lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones to some of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded,” he noted, estimating the damages at $100 billion. “Make no mistake,” he continued, “these unnatural disasters were caused by climate change.”
DiCaprio’s endorsement included sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump, whose environmental rollbacks, including the U.S. exit from the Paris climate accord, he called “an assault on science.” DiCaprio accused Trump of “denying the facts” on climate change and working closely with the oil and gas industries, making promises he claims will only “push us further into crisis.” In contrast, he praised Harris’s role in “leading the most significant climate action in U.S. history” and commended her support for the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark policy that allocated $473 billion to climate and healthcare spending.
DiCaprio’s endorsement comes at a crucial time as Harris seeks to rally support amid a tight race. With less than two weeks to go, Hollywood figures like Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, and George Clooney have also voiced their support for Harris. In contrast, Trump’s high-profile supporters include Elon Musk, Dennis Quaid, and Kid Rock, highlighting the entertainment industry’s deep divide on the election.
Known for his longstanding dedication to environmental causes, DiCaprio has used his platform to amplify climate awareness for years. In his message, he urged followers to consider what’s at stake: “Join me in voting for Kamala Harris on November 5 because we cannot afford to go backwards.” His endorsement is part of a larger mobilization from Hollywood as it backs Harris in the final stretch of her campaign, emphasizing the importance of climate action in the race.
With both candidates polling neck-and-neck, DiCaprio’s call to prioritize climate change at the ballot box may sway voters at a critical moment. As the climate debate heats up, can his endorsement tip the scales, or will the political divide over environmental policy keep both sides firmly entrenched?
