In a shocking social media post, acclaimed actress and singer Bette Midler implied that she would consume a deadly chemical if former President Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. The 78-year-old entertainer, known for her outspoken liberal views, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to share a photo that has since gone viral.
The image depicted two items side-by-side in a refrigerator: a bottle of champagne with a sticky note reading “Kamala wins,” and a bottle of Drano drain cleaner with a note saying “Trump wins.” The clear implication was that Midler would drink the toxic chemical if Trump emerged victorious.
Midler’s post quickly gained traction, amassing over 57,000 likes and nearly 7,000 reposts before she ultimately deactivated her X account altogether. The outlet US Mirror reported that the star also took aim at Trump in a separate post, joking about him appearing to “simulate a blowjob on his microphone” at a recent rally.
“I saw Trump simulating a blowjob on his microphone yesterday! UGH! It appears that someone is preparing to compete for the popular vote while incarcerated! Midler reportedly wrote about the former president’s legal troubles.
The “Beaches” icon has been an outspoken supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris and has frequently encouraged her followers to vote. However, Midler abruptly deactivated her entire X account after declaring Trump the winner in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
This is not the first time Midler has made headlines for her bold political statements. The actress is known for her fiery rhetoric and willingness to voice her opinions, even when they prove controversial.
In a follow-up post before deleting her account, Midler shared a scathing quote from renowned journalist H.L. Mencken, which criticized the American electorate and the caliber of candidates who typically ascend to the presidency.
“‘When a candidate for public office faces the voters, he does not face men of sense; he faces a mob of men whose chief distinguishing mark is the fact that they are quite incapable of weighing ideas or even comprehending any, save the most elemental—men whose whole thinking is done in terms of emotion, and whose dominant emotion is dread of what they cannot understand,'” Mencken’s quote read.
Midler’s vitriolic reaction to Trump’s victory is just one example of the deep divisions and strong emotions that have come to define American politics in recent years. Celebrities and public figures on both sides of the aisle have become increasingly vocal in their support or opposition to certain candidates and policies.
Despite the clear humor in Midler’s remarks about drinking Drano, those who see such remarks as irresponsible, especially considering the potential harm if taken literally, expressed outrage and concern.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of another contentious election, the role of influential figures like Midler in shaping public discourse will likely continue to be a subject of intense debate. For now, the actress’s sudden departure from X has left many wondering what her next move will be—and whether she will ultimately make good on her purported Drano pledge.