Supermodel and actress Christie Brinkley has become the latest public figure to publicly criticize former President Donald Trump, leveraging her substantial social media presence to voice concerns over his policies and rhetoric. On , Brinkley utilized Instagram Stories to share a series of posts targeting Trump, focusing on environmental issues and what she perceives as a disregard for public health.
Brinkley’s criticism centered on Trump’s record regarding environmental regulations, specifically highlighting the rollback of limitations on mercury and other toxins emitted by coal-fired power plants. She shared a graphic detailing the policy change, adding her own commentary expressing alarm over the potential health consequences. “Another day another way to destroy our health! Mercury causes deformities in babies and developmental disorders of the brain!” she wrote, further elaborating on the risks to both adults, including nervous system disorders and organ damage. She concluded with a forceful statement: “THIS GREED AT OUR EXPENSE MUST STOP.”
Beyond environmental concerns, Brinkley also reposted a video clip of Trump speaking at a press conference, accompanied by a quote attributed to him – “I can do anything I want to do to them. I’m allowed to destroy the country.” While the context of Trump’s original statement, as reported, related to frustrations with Supreme Court rulings limiting certain tariff actions, Brinkley presented it as evidence of a broader destructive intent. She added her own caption: “And I must say he is doing a good job of destroying the country.”
This isn’t Brinkley’s first foray into public criticism of Trump. Following his 2024 presidential election win, she voiced strong objections on Instagram, expressing fears about the potential reversal of environmental protections enacted during the Biden administration. Her post at that time emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and the potential for increased natural disasters and disease if environmental concerns were sidelined in favor of economic interests.
In her November 2024 post, Brinkley warned that Trump’s stated intention to undo environmental regulations would “make it impossible to keep climate chaos from accelerating.” She also criticized the concept of “drill, baby, drill,” suggesting it would not lead to widespread prosperity but rather to widespread illness. She underscored the importance of prioritizing public health and a healthy environment, stating, “Our health is our greatest wealth and we won’t survive without a healthy biodiverse environment.”
Brinkley’s concerns extended to the interconnectedness of environmental issues and global well-being. She emphasized that nature “doesn’t care if you’re Red Blue Black Brown Or White,” highlighting the lack of borders when it comes to environmental consequences. She warned that increasingly frequent “100 Year Storms” demonstrated the severity of the situation and the need for collective action. “We’re all in this together,” she wrote, “So we better learn to get along and work together.”
The model’s posts reflect a growing trend of public figures using social media platforms to directly engage in political and social commentary. Brinkley’s substantial following – and her status as a well-known celebrity – amplifies the reach of her message, potentially influencing public opinion and sparking further discussion about the issues she raises. Her approach differs from traditional political endorsements, focusing instead on specific policy concerns and framing them as threats to public health and environmental sustainability.
Brinkley’s recent actions also align with a broader pattern of activism surrounding Trump’s policies, particularly those related to environmental regulations. Her criticism echoes concerns raised by environmental organizations and scientists who have warned about the potential consequences of weakening environmental protections. The model’s advocacy, coupled with her celebrity status, adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the balance between economic development and environmental stewardship.
The use of Instagram Stories as a platform for political commentary is noteworthy. The ephemeral nature of Stories – content disappears after 24 hours – encourages immediate engagement and can create a sense of urgency. Brinkley’s use of visual elements, such as graphics and video clips, further enhances the impact of her message, making it more accessible and shareable. This strategy demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how to leverage social media to effectively communicate complex issues to a broad audience.
While Brinkley’s posts are largely focused on environmental concerns, they also touch upon broader themes of social responsibility and the importance of collective action. Her call for unity and cooperation – “Let’s stick together, birds of a feather and give each other and our Mother some love” – suggests a belief that addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from individuals, communities, and governments alike. Her message resonates with a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of global issues and the need for sustainable solutions.
