Martha Stewart, the well-known lifestyle icon, has publicly addressed the controversial actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following direct urging from her 14-year-old granddaughter, Jude Stewart. The move marks a departure for Stewart, who typically avoids overt political statements, but signals a shift influenced by younger generations demanding accountability.
The Catalyst: A Text From Jude Stewart
The situation unfolded when Jude Stewart sent a direct message to her grandmother: “I’m not sure it’s excusable to not be speaking up right now.” This message came in response to ICE’s violent crackdown in the Twin Cities, where federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti on Saturday. The text served as a clear challenge to Stewart’s previous silence on the issue.
Stewart’s Public Response
Stewart shared Jude’s message with her 2.9 million followers, along with a statement of her own. She expressed “disheartened[ness] and sad[ness]” over the treatment of immigrants and the suppression of peaceful protest, noting that many Americans are either immigrants themselves or descended from immigrant families.
“Things must and have to change quickly and peacefully,” Stewart wrote.
The post was captioned with a direct acknowledgment of the influence: “Grandaughter Jude wrote me a note yesterday… I took it to heart and posted the above.” This transparency highlights the direct role Jude played in prompting Stewart’s response.
Past Political Leaning
While generally neutral, Stewart has shown subtle political preferences in the past. In 2024, she publicly endorsed Kamala Harris in the presidential election, stating her desire for a leader who “doesn’t hate democracy.” She previously supported Hilary Clinton in 2016, indicating a history of aligning with Democratic candidates.
The significance of this event lies in the intergenerational pressure that prompted a high-profile figure to address a controversial political issue. The situation underscores how younger voices are increasingly holding older generations accountable, even within their own families, and forcing them to confront social justice concerns. This episode may set a precedent for greater engagement from public figures who have previously remained silent on ICE and immigration policy.
