The Absurdity of Attacking Celebrities to Defend Donald Trump

Fifty years ago, California Republicans elected the actor Ronald Reagan to be their state’s governor. Decades later, the same party chose Arnold Schwarzenegger for the same job. Four years ago, Clint Eastwood was given a primetime speaking slot at the Republican National Convention, where he delivered a televised address to an empty chair. Six months ago, the RNC featured a speech by the actor Scott Baio. That celebrity endorsement was made in support of the GOP’s new standard-bearer, Donald Trump, who rose to fame via tabloid newspapers and reality television. A decade ago, when Trump wed for the third time, his wedding guests included celebrities P. Diddy, Heidi Klum, Shaquille O’Neal, Billy Joel, and Simon Cowell.

Given all that, it’s strange that Meryl Streep’s criticism ofin 1996, after driving into the city to attend a celebrity appearance by Ivana Trump at a J.C. Penney, we are “so starved for any semblance of glamor and culture.”