Ellen DeGeneres Faces Mixed Reactions After Linking Birthday Post to Minneapolis ICE Incidents
Ellen DeGeneres long cultivated a public persona as a cheerful entertainer focused on kindness and laughter. However, in recent years, her relationship with politics has become more pronounced and personal. Since the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, DeGeneres has weighed in more directly on social issues and contemporary U.S. politics, including offering support for peaceful protesters and commenting on tragic incidents involving law enforcement. Her most recent birthday post on Instagram also got political — and fans met it with divided reactions. Here’s what to know.
Ellen DeGeneres got political on her birthday post, and it was met with mixed reactions
On Jan. 26, 2026, Ellen DeGeneres marked her 68th birthday with a thoughtful and introspective Instagram post. The message steered away from celebration amid a tense national moment. Sharing a teary-eyed selfie with her wife, Portia de Rossi, DeGeneres acknowledged that it was “a tough day to feel like celebrating a birthday.” She added that she was “holding space for what’s happening in our world,” likely referencing ICE in Minneapolis, while also focusing on gratitude for the people and small comforts she cherishes. “Like my wife. And cookies,” she concluded.
The post came on the heels of her recent social media commentary about deadly shootings in Minneapolis that drew both support and criticism. She posted a video of Alex Pretti working as a nurse before his death. In another video posted on Jan. 18, she’s seen speaking to her camera about the current situation in Minnesota. DeGeneres mentioned how she filmed her last stand-up comedy special in Minneapolis, noting how the city holds a special place in her heart.
“I shot it there because they say it’s the happiest city in America,” she says, “and I found that to be true. So, my thoughts and my prayers are going out to everyone, and I’m proud of everyone who’s protesting peacefully. And I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting, for doing what you should be doing.”
Fans had mixed reactions to DeGeneres’ birthday post. Several followers offered their support and warm birthday wishes. However, many others noted how they were tired of DeGeneres’ political content.
“Give it a rest, Ellen,” one of her followers commented.
“Happy birthday Ellen,” another fan wrote. “Don’t care for your beliefs spiritually or politically, but wishing you the best!”
“You’ll be fine,” another follower noted, likely referring to how DeGeneres and de Rossi live in the Cotswolds in England now.
