Over the weekend, Montecito’s normally quiet neighborhood turned into the scene of a bold political rally. A lively “Trump Train” of flag-waving supporters paraded through the affluent California community. On November 5, Americans elected Donald Trump as their 47th President, leaving many Hollywood elites, who had supported Kamala Harris, disappointed. In response, Trump supporters drove through Montecito with horns blaring, giving celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry an unexpected political spectacle in their own community.
A Political Statement in Hollywood’s Backyard
On November 17, MAGA supporters took to Montecito’s Coast Village Road. They paraded in a loud convoy of cars and motorcycles, proudly displaying their support for Trump. The event quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), with posts and videos widely shared across the platform.
SPOTTED: A Trump parade on Coast Village Road in Montecito, CA — Oprah and Meghan Markel’s hometown.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 16, 2024
Montecito’s Star-Studded Community Reacts
Montecito is home to million-dollar mansions, ocean views, and high-profile residents. Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ariana Grande, Rob Lowe, and Katy Perry reside in this area. Most of them openly supported Kamala Harris in the election, making the “Trump Train” an unexpected and stark contrast to the usual atmosphere in this liberal-leaning community.
Public Support and Private Opinions
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose not to endorse any candidate, experts suggested their political preferences leaned toward the Democrats. Oprah Winfrey, meanwhile, faced accusations of receiving funds to support Harris, though she firmly denied the claim. Pop stars Ariana Grande and Katy Perry also publicly showed their support for Harris throughout the campaign.
Trump’s Triumphant Return to Madison Square Garden
Following a major event at Mar-a-Lago, where he revealed his cabinet picks, Donald Trump made a grand return to Madison Square Garden. On Saturday, crowds greeted him with enthusiastic chants of “USA! USA!” as he took the stage in the iconic arena.
A High-Profile Gathering of Supporters
Trump’s appearance drew an impressive roster of influential supporters, including Elon Musk, Kid Rock, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tulsi Gabbard, UFC President Dana White, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Also in attendance were Dan Bongino, Donald Trump Jr., House Speaker Mike Johnson, and singer Jelly Roll, who joined Trump on stage to rally with the crowd.
Previous Controversy Shadows the Venue
Madison Square Garden had previously hosted a MAGA-themed event that sparked backlash. During that event, a comedian’s controversial remarks about Puerto Ricans and Latinos drew criticism and overshadowed the occasion. Despite this past controversy, Trump’s return to the arena was an enthusiastic, celebratory moment for his supporters, marking a symbolic chapter in his political comeback.
Political Divides in America’s Celebrity Enclaves
The “Trump Train” in Montecito and Trump’s triumphant return to Madison Square Garden reveal the growing political divide in America. The liberal residents of Montecito and Trump’s energized base represent two very different sides of the nation, underscoring the contrast between celebrity-studded neighborhoods and the passions of Trump’s supporters.
