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Ellen DeGeneres has long been known for her upbeat persona and her emphasis on kindness and humor. Yet, over the years, her public image has evolved to include more direct engagement with political and social issues. This shift has been especially noticeable since the conclusion of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. DeGeneres has increasingly used her platform to express support for peaceful demonstrations and to voice her opinions on incidents involving law enforcement. Her recent birthday post on Instagram exemplifies this trend and has elicited mixed reactions from her followers.
On January 26, 2026, DeGeneres celebrated her 68th birthday by sharing a poignant and reflective message on Instagram. Instead of reveling in the occasion, she acknowledged the somberness of the current national climate. Posting a heartfelt selfie with her wife, Portia de Rossi, DeGeneres confessed that it was “a tough day to feel like celebrating a birthday.” She expressed her solidarity with those affected by ongoing issues, presumably alluding to the situation involving ICE in Minneapolis. Despite the challenges, she emphasized gratitude for the constants in her life, stating, “Like my wife. And cookies.”
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.
