The Seven-Year Feud: Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Calls Donald Trump's Presidency 'Bulls**t' And Endorsed Kamala Harris

The political and celebrity feud between two of America's most recognizable figures, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Donald Trump, has escalated dramatically through the 2024 election cycle and into the current administration. This rivalry is far more than a simple clash of egos; it represents a fundamental split within the modern Republican Party, pitting the "Governator's" moderate, environmental-focused conservatism against the populist, 'America First' movement championed by the 47th President. As of December 2025, the former California Governor remains one of the most vocal and sharpest critics of Donald Trump, recently delivering a high-profile endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris and warning voters that a Trump presidency would mean "four more years of bulls**t with no results."

This deep-seated animosity, which began with a petty ratings war over a reality TV show, has evolved into a serious ideological battle over the direction of the country, climate policy, and political decorum. From the set of The Apprentice to the halls of the White House, the history of their relationship is a masterclass in celebrity-turned-political drama, marked by public insults, social media barbs, and a clear, unyielding ideological divide that continues to dominate headlines.

The Titans' Biographies: Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Donald J. Trump

The rivalry between Schwarzenegger and Trump is fueled by their strikingly similar, yet ultimately divergent, paths to political power. Both men achieved massive fame in non-political fields before successfully transitioning into high-level government roles, yet their governing philosophies are worlds apart.

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Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger

• Born: July 30, 1947, Thal, Styria, Austria.
• Key Careers: Professional Bodybuilder (7-time Mr. Olympia), Hollywood Actor (Terminator, Total Recall), Businessman, Author.
• Political Office: 38th Governor of California (2003–2011).
• Political Affiliation: Republican (Moderate/Environmentalist Wing).
• Key Political Stance: Strong advocate for climate action, environmental protection, and bipartisan cooperation.

Donald John Trump

• Born: June 14, 1946, Queens, New York, United States.
• Key Careers: Real Estate Developer, Casino Owner, Media Personality (Host of The Apprentice).
• Political Office: 45th President of the United States (2017–2021) and 47th President (2025– ).
• Political Affiliation: Republican (Populist/MAGA Movement).
• Key Political Stance: "America First" nationalism, reduced government regulation, and skepticism toward international climate agreements.

The Infamous 'Apprentice' Ratings War and the Origin of the Feud

The first major public clash between the two celebrities, who were once considered acquaintances, was not over policy but over television ratings. This petty rivalry in 2017 set the stage for all future political animosity.

The Handover and the Ratings Drop

When Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election, he stepped down as the host of NBC's reality competition show, The Apprentice. Arnold Schwarzenegger was chosen as his successor to host the rebranded show, The New Celebrity Apprentice. The show's ratings, however, saw a significant decline under Schwarzenegger’s tenure.

Trump's Twitter Taunts

Donald Trump, even while serving as President, could not resist mocking his successor. He repeatedly took to Twitter to gloat about the low ratings, famously tweeting that Schwarzenegger "got 'swamped' (or destroyed) by comparison to the ratings machine, DJT." In another memorable dig, Trump asked people to "Pray for Arnold" over the show's poor performance.

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Schwarzenegger's Response: Blame the 'Baggage'

Schwarzenegger initially responded with humor, suggesting they "switch jobs," but the feud became serious when he announced he would not return for another season. He directly blamed Trump for the ratings slump, stating that the show had too much "baggage" because Trump was still an executive producer while serving as President. This exchange cemented a personal rivalry that quickly spilled into the political arena, creating a rift between the two Republican figures.

The Ideological Split: Climate Action and the Republican Divide

While the Apprentice drama started the personal feud, the lasting ideological conflict centers on climate change and the direction of the Republican Party. Schwarzenegger, the former "Governator" of California, has consistently positioned himself as an environmental champion, a stance that puts him directly at odds with the populist wing of the party.

The Paris Agreement and the 'Stop Whining' Stance

When President Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, Schwarzenegger immediately pushed back. He did not, however, advocate for despair. Instead, he adopted a pragmatic, action-oriented approach, telling people to "stop whining" about the President's actions. His message was clear: the actions of local governments, states, and businesses—including his own efforts in California—are more powerful than the opinions of one president.

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The 'Un-American' and 'Wet Noodle' Insults

Schwarzenegger's political criticism of Trump has been consistently sharp and personal. He has publicly denounced the former President's actions, particularly following the January 6th Capitol riot, calling him a "failed leader" and the "worst president ever." He has also used colorful language reminiscent of his action movie persona, referring to Trump as a "little wet noodle" and a "fanboy" in reference to his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This use of "machismoism" in the feud, as some analysts have noted, is particularly interesting. Schwarzenegger, a cultural avatar for masculinity through his bodybuilding and movie career, challenges Trump's own brand of strength, creating a unique dynamic where Trump's usual counter-attacks on personal image are less effective.

The 2024 Election and the High-Profile Endorsement of Kamala Harris

The 2024 presidential election saw Schwarzenegger take his opposition to Donald Trump to the highest possible level, formally breaking with his party's nominee to endorse the opposition.

A Warning Against 'Four More Years of Bulls**t'

In a move that stunned many in the political world, the former Republican Governor of the most populous state publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. His reasoning was direct and scathing. Schwarzenegger warned voters that a second Trump term would be a disaster, stating it would be "four more years of bulls**t with no results," and that Trump was an "un-American" force. This endorsement highlighted the deep fracture within the Republican establishment, where traditional conservatives like Schwarzenegger feel alienated by the MAGA movement's direction.

The Political Future of the 'Governator'

The endorsement also reignited speculation about Schwarzenegger's own political ambitions. A long-standing constitutional requirement prevents the Austrian-born star from running for President of the United States. However, Schwarzenegger has repeatedly stated that if the rule were changed, he would "absolutely" run for President in 2024, calling it a "no brainer" because he believes he could win easily. While he cannot run, his continued role as a powerful, anti-Trump Republican voice ensures he remains a central figure in the party's ongoing identity crisis.

The feud is not just about two larger-than-life figures trading barbs; it is a microcosm of the struggle for the soul of the Republican Party. Schwarzenegger's environmentalism, his focus on tangible results, and his willingness to cross the aisle stand in stark contrast to Trump's populist, confrontational style. As the 47th President settles into his term, the "Governator's" voice—loud, clear, and critical—will continue to be a major force opposing him from within the conservative landscape.