Josh Duhamel used his recent appearance on a politically divisive radio show to urge celebrities to stay quiet when it comes to politics.

The “Transformers” actor spoke this week to Megyn Kelly on her SiriusXM show, where he said he’d made a “business decision” to keep his political views to himself.

“Just because you have a platform doesn’t mean that you get to preach to everybody,” he said. “I have real strong opinions about things, but I don’t really talk about it because it’s like, ‘Why? Why would I alienate half my audience?’ Because I respect their views on things but I’m not going to preach to them.”

He went on to question the motives of celebrities who speak out, noting: “If you really want to be successful in this business, why would you make half of your audience despise you by your political beliefs?”

“I’m here just to make cool movies, cool TV. I’m here to make cool stuff,” he added. “I’m the court jester, you know? If I want to preach to you about what I believe politically, I will go run for office, which I’m not going to do, by the way.”

Watch a clip of Josh Duhamel’s chat with Megyn Kelly below.

Duhamel is hardly the first celebrity to suggest figures in Hollywood would be better served by keeping mum about their politics. Still, many viewers felt his decision to make such a statement while being interviewed by Kelly, a former Fox News host and ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, spoke volumes.

“yeah man. Duhamel going on Megyn Kelly,” one person wrote on X. “I wonder what his political views are. Truly stumped.”

Added another, “This is such bullshit. The very act of doing Megyn Kelly’s show is political. Appearing on her show is a political statement in and of itself.”

Others pointed out that Duhamel publicly backed former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican, for president during the 2024 election cycle. Though Burgum suspended his campaign early in the primary race, he now serves as secretary of the interior.

Duhamel recently starred in Netflix’s “Ransom Canyon,” portraying Staten Kirkland, the patriarch of a Texas ranching family. The show was recently renewed for a second season, though a release date has not been set.

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.