Martha Stewart Issues Rare Political Statement Amid ICE Protests

Martha Stewart, the renowned lifestyle mogul, made a rare political statement on January 26, 2026, urging for ‘quick and peaceful’ change amid escalating protests against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her public comments, shared on Instagram, were directly influenced by a plea from her granddaughter, Jude, and follow recent civilian deaths involving ICE, including Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24, which have fueled widespread demonstrations.

Stewart, who has previously described herself as ‘not party-centric,’ took to social media to share a ‘heartfelt message’ with her followers, stating, ‘Granddaughter Jude wrote me a note yesterday. I took it to heart and posted the above.’ This direct engagement in a sensitive political issue marks a notable moment for the 84-year-old entrepreneur, whose public image is typically centered on culinary arts, home decor, and entrepreneurship rather than political activism. Her past political endorsements include supporting Hillary Clinton in 2016, which she called ‘the most important election of the last hundred years,’ and backing Kamala Harris in 2024 because she ‘doesn’t hate democracy.’

Stewart’s Stance on ICE Protests

The decision by Martha Stewart to weigh in on the ICE protests underscores the growing national conversation and the increasing pressure on public figures to address social and political issues. Protests in Minnesota and across the country have intensified following the recent deaths, drawing attention from various celebrities, including Olivia Wilde, Natalie Portman, and Glenn Close, who have also spoken out. Stewart’s statement, while brief, signals a personal conviction to advocate for systemic change, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the calls for reform emanating from her own family.

A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Culinary Influence

While her recent political statement garners headlines, Martha Stewart’s enduring legacy is largely built upon her expansive lifestyle empire, particularly her profound impact on the culinary world. Despite never attending a traditional culinary school or working in a restaurant, Stewart is widely regarded as a self-taught chef, a description affirmed by the Michelin Guide. In a 2025 interview with NBC Insider, Stewart revealed she has ‘never taken a professional cooking class’ but has diligently studied the subject on her own, crediting her mother, also named Martha, as her ‘greatest teacher.’ She also extensively studied Julia Child’s seminal work, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and collaborated with renowned chefs such as David Bouley, Daniel Boulud, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and David Chang.

From Wall Street to Lifestyle Empire

Stewart’s journey to culinary fame began uniquely. After a career as a stockbroker on Wall Street, she launched a catering company in the 1970s, preparing all meals from scratch in her home kitchen. This venture proved pivotal, leading to an encounter with publisher Alan Mirken, who was so impressed by her food that he commissioned her first cookbook, Entertaining, published in 1982. Stewart described this publication to MarthaStewart.com as life-changing, stating, ‘I found my voice — and I think I’d found my career.’ The success of Entertaining laid the groundwork for her multimedia empire, including Martha Stewart Living magazine and television show in the 1990s. In 1999, she released her best-selling book, Martha Stewart’s Cooking School, which inspired a successful television show of the same name. Throughout her career, Stewart has authored over 100 books, sharing her extensive knowledge and recipes. More recently, she opened her first restaurant, The Bedford by Martha Stewart, which features many of her favorite recipes.

Her culinary journey has also been marked by significant friendships and collaborations, notably with Julia Child, whom Stewart considered one of her ‘most pivotal’ teachers. In a 2013 interview with Maclean’s, Stewart shared how Child ‘got me interested in haute cuisine,’ recalling how she cooked every recipe from Child’s two volumes of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The two even shared a memorable on-screen moment making a croquembouche dessert on Stewart’s cooking show in the late 1990s. Beyond Child, Stewart’s unlikely friendship and business collaborations with rap icon Snoop Dogg on shows like Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party have further broadened her appeal and cemented her status as a cultural phenomenon.

The Weight of a Public Voice

Martha Stewart’s recent political commentary, prompted by a family member and targeting a contentious national issue, highlights the evolving role of public figures in contemporary discourse. While known for her curated aesthetic and culinary expertise, her willingness to lend her influential voice to a social justice cause, particularly one as sensitive as ICE protests, signals a broader shift in how celebrities engage with and are expected to address pressing societal concerns. Her statement, however brief, carries significant weight due to her widespread recognition and the stark contrast it presents to her traditionally apolitical public persona.