John Stamos responds to backlash over attending a Mar-a-Lago event

John Stamos is clearing the air about his political views after being skewered for attending a Mar-a-Lago event.

Since Saturday, the Full House alum had been weathering social media backlash for participating in a charity event held at President Donald Trump’s Florida resort. In a Monday Instagram post, Stamos denied that his presence on the estate has any bearing on his political affiliations.

“I accepted the invitation to emcee the Palm Beach Ray of Hope Gala — an evening dedicated to honoring and uplifting our frontline heroes,” Stamos wrote on his Instagram story, explaining that the “nonpartisan” event was held to support the Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations (AHNO), which “trains 350-400 nurses every year, directly addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Palm Beach County.”

He continued, “Supporting nurses isn’t political — it’s essential. These are the people who care for us and our families when we need it most, and I believe we should show up for them with the same unwavering dedication they show up with every day.”

Per the event’s website, “prominent local community figures” and “professional dancers” were invited “for a night filled with dancing, a cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auctions.” Dancing with the Stars alums Artem Chigvintsev and Karina Smirnoff were also in attendance.

“I stand by the importance of healthcare, of service, and of investing in those who care for our communities,” Stamos wrote, adding, “My values and political views remain unchanged.”

Stamos has been largely private about his political affiliations over the years, occasionally sharing photos of himself alongside such politicians as former President Barack Obama. In 2020, he congratulated then-President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their “historic” win. 

Most recently, this past November, Stamos encouraged followers to vote in the presidential election without explicitly endorsing either candidate, though he alluded to who he was throwing his own support behind.

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“I rarely post opinions on politics,” Stamos wrote at the time, but “it’s clear that our country is at a crossroads, and like many of you, I hope for a future where we can find unity and common ground.”

He continued, “I’m not here to tell anyone how to vote. This is not about dictating choices or dismissing opinions. But as we look ahead, it’s no secret who I will be casting my vote for. We need a leader who prioritizes unity and strives to bridge the divides that have deepened over the past years. My hope is that this election leads to a renewed focus on bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and seeking justice and equality for all.”