Paris Hilton Discusses Getting Involved In Politics

Paris Hilton, a name long synonymous with reality television and pop culture, has recently been making waves in an entirely different arena: public policy.

Hilton’s advocacy for the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act—a bill addressing abuse in youth residential treatment facilities—has now culminated in a significant legislative victory. The hotel heiress turned activist celebrated the bill’s passage in Congress, and her remarks afterward suggest she may be contemplating a new chapter in public service.

Hilton’s transition from Hollywood to Capitol Hill underscores her commitment to a cause she holds deeply personal. Speaking at the Capitol, she reflected on her efforts: “I worked so hard on this bill the past couple years… seeing our bill passing Congress has been one of the most incredible moments of my life.”

Her passion for the issue  , having previously testified about abuse she endured as a teenager in a youth treatment facility. Hilton’s frequent appearances in Washington and her ability to rally bipartisan support have turned her into a prominent voice for reform in this area.

But Hilton’s advocacy isn’t limited to legislative victories. She vowed to continue her work: “This is just the beginning. There’s definitely more to do.” This sense of unfinished business has led some to wonder if her future might include elected office. Hilton herself didn’t rule it out, acknowledging, “I can really shine a spotlight on things that are important… I can maybe see that happening.”

Hilton’s foray into political advocacy raises questions about the broader role of celebrities in shaping public policy. Historically, celebrities wading into politics often face skepticism. According to a YouGov survey, only 7% of Americans say they’ve supported a candidate because of a celebrity endorsement, while 51% report that a celebrity’s political stance has led them to think less of them.

Republicans and older Americans are particularly likely to view celebrity involvement in politics as detrimental, compared to Democrats and younger adults, who are more inclined to see it as helpful.

Interestingly, celebrity activism seems to cut both ways. While figures like Hilton may galvanize attention for important issues, the broader public remains wary of the influence that fame can exert on democratic processes.

A striking 32% of Americans believe that political involvement generally harms a celebrity’s career, further highlighting the precarious balance between advocacy and backlash.