Athletes like Simone Biles have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction following the United States presidential election. Donald Trump secured a historic second term, becoming the first US President in over a century to be elected in non-consecutive terms, the last being Grover Cleveland in 1897.
While the newly-elected 47th President of the United States had many big names backing his campaign, most notably Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk, Trump also had his fair share of critiques.
Much of the sports world took to backing his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, who would have been the first female President of the United States had she won. Eminent sportspersons like Simone Biles and LeBron James have since reacted to this news.
Here is a look at five athletes, including Simone Biles, who took to social media to express their dissent at Donald Trump's election victory.
#1 Simone Biles
One of the greatest gymnasts ever, 11-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles, was a staunch Harris supporter over the campaign and was obviously unhappy with the result.
Biles had earlier taken a dig at Trump when he said that immigrants would take up "black jobs."
The decorated Olympian took to X as she posted, "I love my black job." Biles reiterated her support for vice-president Harris by saying, "Let's go Kamala mamala" on Instagram Threads on November 5.
Following Trump's re-election, Simone Biles took to X to send a strongly worded message to current US President, Joe Biden as she wrote:
“Mr Biden, I need you to stand up, straighten your back and make some things shake before your departure. xoxo the women in America.”
Biles further shared stories on Instagram, expressing her disappointment following Trump's re-election, considering the history of sexual abuse allegations surrounding him.
"Over 71 million voted for a President that's been found liable for sexual abuse"
Simone Biles called out Trump voters in her stories caption, reading:
"This y'all?" she wrote with nauseated emojis and a pointing finger.
#2 LeBron James
Basketball superstar and 2024 Olympic gold medalist, LeBron James had also been incredibly vocal about his support for the Democrat party throughout the recently concluded election campaign.
The Los Angeles Lakers power forward took to X to endorse Kamala Harris. He asked his fans to vote for Harris and posted a video from a Trump rally sarcastically asking what was happening.
"What are we even talking about here?? When I think about my kids and my family and how they will grow up, the choice is clear to me. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!!!"
He posted a photo of himself with his daughter on Instagram following Trump's re-election, promising to protect her with everything he could do and more.
"HEAVY ON MY HEART & MIND THIS AM MY PRINCESS!! PROMISE TO PROTECT YOU WITH EVERYTHING I HAVE AND MORE!! WE DONT NEED THEIR HELP!"
#3 Stephen Curry
Another 2024 gold medalist for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, Stephen "Steph" Curry, publicly supported Harris as he appeared at the Democratic Convention donning his Olympic gold medal.
Speaking about Harris at the Democratic Convention in August, Curry applauded her character and said we need it in a president.
"Supporting her is an honour. A sophisticated leader whom I trust will be able to lead our country, bringing hope, inspiration, and unity. There are many issues to address in our country, much progress has to be made. But a level of decency and humanity is a top leadership position is essential, and she has it." (via Times Of India)
He also announced his support for Harris in an NBA press conference.
"Supporting her is an honour." (via X)
#4 Billie Jean King
American tennis superstar Billie Jean King, another staunch supporter of Kamala Harris, took to the social media platform Instagram to pen her thoughts. The 12-time Grand Slam winner expressed her thoughts on the election that "left many angry and confused," but said that we must not stop working to create the future we want to leave.
"The results of the US presidential election have left many of us angry and confused. But this loss is feedback, not failure. As Vice President Harris said today, 'The light of America's promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting." Let's do this together.' (via Instagram)
#5 Mick Foley
Legendary WWE superstar Mick Foley has been an open supporter of Harris and has made clear his feelings about Trump.
The WWE Hall of Famer took to Instagram to express his disappointment at Trump's re-election as the 47th POTUS. He posted an image with "SAD" in a large, white font in the centre, hinting at the general mood of all Democrat supporters following the results.
The strong and varied reactions from all over the world and from athletes who have significant influence, like Simone Biles, make it clear that the election results for the 47th President have left many disappointed.