Martha Stewart, the iconic lifestyle guru and television personality, has stepped into the political spotlight with a rare presidential endorsement.

At the 2024 Retail Influencer CEO Forum earlier this week, Stewart made a surprise declaration of support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 election, as the Daily Mail reports.

This move marks a departure from Stewart’s previous reluctance to engage publicly in political endorsements during past elections.

Known for keeping her political views under wraps, Stewart’s decision to voice support for Harris signals a new chapter in her public stance.

Stewart Explains Why She's Supporting Harris

During her announcement, the 83-year-old businesswoman explained her reasons for backing Harris. She expressed her desire for a president "who doesn't hate New York" and "doesn't hate democracy." These comments hint at Stewart's dissatisfaction with the current political climate, though she avoided naming specific candidates beyond Harris.

Stewart has a long history with Donald Trump, dating back to their time on competing versions of the reality show The Apprentice in 2006. Her version of the show was canceled due to low ratings, leading to a public spat with Trump, who accused Stewart of failing to capture the audience. Stewart, in turn, suggested that Trump had agreed to step down, allowing only her show to continue. This clash reportedly left a lasting impression on Stewart.

A History of Criticism Toward Donald Trump

Stewart has previously expressed criticism of Trump, particularly during the 2016 election when she endorsed Hillary Clinton. At the time, Stewart cited concerns over Trump's preparedness for the presidency, telling CNN that the country could not be run by someone unprepared for its challenges. Despite this, she had initially praised Trump as a "true entrepreneur," though she walked back her remarks after his 2016 victory.

Interestingly, Stewart chose not to publicly endorse a candidate in the 2020 election, remaining neutral despite her past critiques of Trump. She attributed this decision to the challenges of balancing her business interests, noting that her readership was divided, and taking sides could alienate parts of her audience.

Company Policies Limit Stewart's Political Voice

While Stewart has strong opinions about the current political landscape, she acknowledged the constraints she faces as the head of a major brand. Due to company policies, she revealed that she is restricted from discussing politics openly on social media or in interviews. "I'm not allowed to talk [about politics]," she explained, noting that any public political statements could draw the attention of her parent company's "eyeballs."

Stewart also shared that she has found it difficult to voice her political opinions because of her large and diverse readership. "How do you take sides when 50% of your readers might be on one side, and 50% on the other?" she pondered in a previous interview. This hesitation to engage politically underscores the significance of her recent endorsement.

Stewart's Break from Political Neutrality

Despite these restrictions, Stewart has broken from her usual neutrality in endorsing Harris. She expressed no qualms about supporting the vice president, suggesting that her personal convictions outweighed the potential backlash from her audience. Stewart’s move may come as a surprise to some, given her previous reluctance to alienate readers with political opinions.

This isn't the first time Stewart has waded into political discourse, but it is one of the most public and unequivocal endorsements she has made. Her support for Harris aligns with her broader critique of Trump, dating back to their reality TV rivalry, and highlights her concern over the current direction of the country.

Stewart’s Political Influence

As a public figure with significant influence in the lifestyle and retail industries, Stewart’s endorsement could have an impact beyond the election. Her decision to speak out may embolden other prominent figures who have hesitated to take a stance in the politically polarized environment. While it remains to be seen how her audience will react, Stewart appears to be standing firm in her decision.

With this rare public endorsement, Stewart adds her name to the growing list of celebrities who have voiced support for Harris in the upcoming election. The vice president, who is running for the highest office, could benefit from the backing of a figure like Stewart, whose influence spans multiple industries.

Trump Responds to Stewart's Criticisms

Although Donald Trump has not yet responded to Stewart’s latest remarks, their contentious history provides ample context for her political stance. Trump has previously criticized Stewart for her handling of *The Apprentice*, stating, "I wish she would be able to take responsibility for her failure." Their rivalry, which played out publicly during the mid-2000s, has seemingly influenced Stewart’s political opinions in the years since.

Stewart’s criticism of Trump continued into his presidency, as she voiced concerns over his leadership and fitness for office. While she remained silent during the 2020 election, it is clear that her discontent with Trump has not waned.

Conclusion

Martha Stewart’s decision to endorse Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election marks a significant shift from her previous neutrality on political matters.

Her endorsement stems from concerns over the current political climate and her belief that Harris represents a candidate who values democracy and stands in contrast to Donald Trump, with whom Stewart has a long and contentious history.

While Stewart’s influence as a business leader and media figure may sway some voters, it remains to be seen how her public support for Harris will resonate with her diverse audience.