Barbra Streisand, an actress and vocalist known for her disdain towards former President Donald Trump, has been exposed for her hypocrisy as she allegedly received over $200,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans for her film production company, Barwood Films Ltd.
Streisand had been vocal about her disapproval of Trump’s spending during his presidency, particularly regarding the cost of his proposed border wall and the expenses incurred for security detail for his family. In a 2017 tweet, she criticized the president, stating, “If Trump continues to house family in NYC & vacation at this rate, it will cost taxpayers $526 mill. Arts budget is only 1/4 this cost.”
If Trump continues to house family in NYC & vacation at this rate, it will cost taxpayers $526 mill. Arts budget is only 1/4 this cost.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) March 20, 2017
However, it seems that Streisand’s concern for taxpayer money did not extend to her own pocket, as she reportedly received two PPP loans, one in 2020 and the other in 2021, that were later forgiven by the federal government. The loans were intended to help small businesses retain employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, with specific requirements for loan forgiveness.
Despite her massive wealth, Streisand’s company claimed that the funds were necessary to protect six jobs, including an “executive support” employee and a groundskeeper for her $20 million Malibu estate. While small businesses struggled to survive during the pandemic, Streisand was likely trying to decide which of her five mansions on her Malibu compound to live in during lockdown.
.@realDonaldTrump wants to build $22B wall on U.S.'s dime, even as illegal immigration has been declining for years. #TrumpAccomplishments
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) April 23, 2017
Meanwhile, Streisand continued to attack Trump for his spending. Just six days after Barwood Films Ltd. received $103,662 to fund six workers, Streisand tweeted, “Trump is obsessed with wasting money on his wall. Maybe all that money should have been spent on testing, ventilators, and personal protective equipment for our healthcare professionals. The virus doesn’t care about the wall that he falsely said Mexico was paying for.”
It is clear that Streisand’s actions do not align with her words. While she portrayed herself as a concerned citizen worried about taxpayer money, she was secretly skimming off funds from the government for her own benefit. Her lavish lifestyle and disregard for the struggles of small businesses during the pandemic reveal her true priorities.
Trump is obsessed with wasting money on his wall. Maybe all that money should have been spent on testing, ventilators and personal protective equipment for our health care professionals. The virus doesn’t care about the wall that he falsely said Mexico was paying for.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) April 12, 2020
In the end, it was perhaps Streisand’s own guilty conscience that led her to constantly criticize Trump’s spending. As she enjoyed her privileged lifestyle, she couldn’t help but worry about her own actions and how they would reflect on her. But for those who were genuinely struggling during the pandemic, Streisand’s actions are a clear reminder that for Hollywood elites, the rules only apply to everyone else but them.