Liberal author and former Democratic campaign adviser Naomi Wolf has surprised political circles by publicly endorsing former President Donald Trump for the upcoming election. Known for her activism and past work with former President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, Wolf’s endorsement represents a notable shift, underscoring what she sees as Trump’s unexpected embrace of inclusivity.
Wolf revealed her endorsement during a conversation with Steve Bannon on his “War Room” podcast, citing Trump’s alliance with a range of voices, including former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard, and entrepreneur Elon Musk. According to Wolf, Trump’s efforts to broaden his appeal have made him a unifying figure in a time of national division. “President Trump did something very smart,” Wolf said, describing Trump’s partnerships with these individuals as “inclusive.”
Wolf explained that Trump is making an effort to address the concerns of Americans across a variety of demographics. “He’s speaking out to the concerns of Black people, white people, Puerto Rican people, Hispanic people of all kinds, women, men — it doesn’t matter,” Wolf noted. “You guys have become the unity party, and he’s leading the unity party,” she told Bannon, underscoring her belief that Trump’s recent actions are aimed at building broader support across the political spectrum.
Wolf’s shift in opinion wasn’t immediate. Her journey toward supporting Trump began after attending one of his events where he spoke to a group of Orthodox Jews about the Middle East. She explained that witnessing Trump’s approach to foreign policy firsthand provided a stark contrast to the media portrayal she had previously relied on. “A good friend of mine brought me to listen to President Trump speak. And it was in Bedminster, and he was speaking to a group of Orthodox Jews about peace in the Middle East,” Wolf said.
During the event, Trump’s commitment to peace in the Middle East left a strong impression on her. “He was serious. He was a serious person talking seriously about peace in the Middle East, about saving lives — Palestinian and Israeli. And how can that not be good?” she remarked, highlighting her admiration for Trump’s pragmatic approach.
Wolf admitted that much of her previous perception of Trump had been shaped by what she called the “legacy media.” She acknowledged that her negative view of him had been informed by portrayals casting him as an extremist and a divisive figure. “All of my information about him was filtered through legacy media. ‘He’s a fascist. He’s a misogynist. He’s a racist,’” she said, reflecting on the image of Trump that was often presented in the mainstream press.
Wolf now sees Trump in a different light, describing him as “eloquent, articulate, thoughtful, very funny.” Her shift reveals a marked departure from the narrative she once believed, one that portrayed Trump as universally harmful. While she still doesn’t endorse every statement he makes, she believes his focus on issues of peace and inclusivity deserves recognition.
Wolf’s endorsement of Trump underscores her view that the former president is building a “unity party,” a term she used to describe Trump’s recent political alliances and outreach. Wolf believes that Trump’s partnerships with figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard represent a coalition of diverse perspectives, aimed at bridging political divides. She described these efforts as a “smart” move by Trump to expand his appeal and to respond to a broad spectrum of American concerns.
One of the factors that influenced Wolf’s endorsement is her view that Trump’s outreach goes beyond traditional Republican issues. By addressing topics such as foreign policy, healthcare, and economic inequality, Wolf sees Trump working to engage people of different backgrounds and ideological leanings. She emphasized the importance of recognizing Trump’s inclusivity efforts, even if they don’t align perfectly with her previous political stance. “I would be an idiot if I didn’t recognize that,” she said, referencing her newfound appreciation for his unifying approach.
Wolf has previously voiced criticism of her former political allies and the mainstream media, which she now believes have perpetuated one-sided narratives. In a recent essay, she apologized to conservatives for her past affiliation with what she described as the “histrionic” portrayal of certain events by the Democratic Party, particularly the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Her apology marked an introspective shift, expressing regret for media-driven narratives that she now feels were exaggerated or misleading.
Wolf’s book, Facing the Beast: Courage, Faith, and Resistance in a New Dark Age, reflects her evolving political philosophy. In it, she explores themes of courage, faith, and resilience in the face of what she describes as politically motivated censorship and divisiveness. Her endorsement of Trump echoes these themes, as she aims to encourage political unity and independent thinking, values she believes the former president embodies in his recent actions.
Wolf’s endorsement of Trump has sparked mixed reactions, drawing both praise and skepticism. Critics argue that her shift in opinion reflects a betrayal of her previous liberal values, while supporters see her endorsement as a sign of growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party’s current direction. Wolf’s statements may resonate with other disillusioned liberals who feel similarly disenchanted with mainstream political narratives.
For Trump, Wolf’s endorsement could signal a strategic opportunity to appeal to more centrist and independent voters, particularly those who are wary of traditional party divides. If Wolf’s view of Trump as a unifying figure gains traction, it could influence public perception and potentially shift the dynamics of the upcoming election.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Wolf’s endorsement reflects an emerging desire for inclusivity and unity, even across traditionally opposed political lines. Whether or not her support significantly impacts the election, Wolf’s journey from vocal Trump critic to supporter highlights a trend of Americans reconsidering their political alliances in search of common ground.
