Barbra Streisand, the iconic singer and actor, is no stranger to controversy. At the age of 81, she continues to use her powerful voice to speak out against what she believes is a threat to democracy.
Streisand’s latest target is former president Donald Trump, and she is making it clear that she won’t stick around if he becomes president again in 2024.
Streisand has been a long-time Democratic supporter and fundraiser and has never been shy about expressing her dislike of Trump. She has called him “so stupid” and “ill-informed,” branding him “the Liar in Chief, the Groper in Chief.”
In a recent interview with Stephen Colbert, she boldly declared, “I can’t live in this country if he becomes president.”
But this isn’t the first time Streisand has made such a dramatic declaration. Like many other celebrities, she vowed to leave the United States after Trump won in 2016. At that time, she quipped, “America was great – before you were elected.”
Expressing Frustration Through Music
Streisand’s frustration with Trump led her to release her 36th album, “Walls,” in 2018. This musical masterpiece serves as a homage to Trump’s tyranny and includes powerful tracks like “Don’t Lie to Me.”
Streisand explains that the constant barrage of news and lies made her sick, and she wanted to express her outrage through her music. She firmly believes that the country should not be lied to and stands against deception.
In her memoir, “My Name is Barbra,” Streisand reflects on the tension between politicians and artists.
She firmly believes that artists serve as a country’s conscience, challenging society to confront uncomfortable truths. Streisand boldly declares, “That’s why art is the enemy of tyrants and dictators.”
Staying and Fighting for Change
Unfortunately, Streisand’s powerful voice wasn’t enough to sway the voting population in 2016. Trump was elected, and celebrities like Streisand were faced with a difficult decision – should they leave the country or stay and fight?
Some, like comedian George Lopez and talk show host Jon Stewart, made lighthearted jokes about leaving for other countries or even other planets. Others, like Chelsea Handler, realized that their platforms and voices were needed more than ever in a divided nation.