In a recent endorsement of Republican Representative Liz Cheney, Yellowstone actor Kevin Costner wore a pro-Cheney t-shirt. The politician posted the image to social media along with the caption:
Prior to Cheney’s reelection campaign, which would face fierce opposition from Harriet Hageman, a candidate supported by Donald Trump, the endorsement was made. Despite running as a Republican, the former is recognised as one of Trump’s fiercest detractors.
Following the historic January 6 Capitol attack, Cheney, who is presently the vice chairwoman of the House select committee, spoke out against the former US president.
In Wyoming’s at-large congressional district, a state recognised for Trump’s decisive victory in the 2020 presidential election, the representative garnered backing from some Democrats but also criticism from many Republican voters.
Although Costner has been outspoken in his defence of Cheney, the actor no longer identifies as a Republican. Costner has stated in an interview with The Daily Beast that he finds the terms “Democratic” or “Republican” to be too “limited” to describe his political philosophy.
Kevin Costner recently endorsed Liz Cheney by wearing a pro-Cheney t-shirt
A look into Kevin Costner’s political ideology
Early in his career, Kevin Costner was seen as a Republican and was well-known for his personal affinity with and support of former US president Ronald Reagan.
Reports, however, indicate that Costner eventually changed his political affiliation and gave financial support to a number of Democratic politicians, including Tom Daschle and Al Gore.
He was also seen in 1995 supporting Phil Gramm, a Republican candidate. At a rally for his campaign held at Colorado State University, Costner urged the younger generation to use their vote to make a difference in the world:
In a similar vein, the Academy Award winner supported Joe Biden in 2019 before endorsing Democratic presidential contender Pete Buttigieg at a gathering in Iowa. Additionally, he provided narration for a television ad supporting J. D. Scholten, the Democratic candidate for the US House of Representatives from Iowa.
In a 2020 interview with Variety, Kevin Costner discussed Joe Biden’s character and explained why he backed the president:
In the same year, the Dances with the Wolves actor talked openly about his political beliefs in an interview with The Daily Beast. In reference to the two-party system in America, he said:
Twitter reacts to Kevin Costner’s support of Liz Cheney
The Golden Globe winner has repeatedly criticised Trump, but he also told the outlet that his criticism applies to both parties:
Further stating that he prefers to refer to himself as “an independent,” Kevin Costner said he does not want to identify as a Republican like he did in the 1980s and 1990s. He claimed that only those candidates receive his support who he believes are “best for the country.”
Since she turned against Donald Trump in the wake of the January 6 Capitol Riot, Liz Cheney has found herself at the centre of diametrically opposed political debates.
Actor Kevin Coster backed the politician throughout his current reelection campaign against formidable opposition and Trump-backed rival Harriet Hageman.
Cheney posted the picture online, and Costner’s support immediately generated a discussion on social media.