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Dennis Quaid canceled? Trump ad to ‘defeat despair’ about Covid-19 sparks fury: ‘How much of $300M went to him’

'The Parent Trap' actor hit headlines for supporting Trump by participating in a $300 million ad campaign

Dennis William Quaid is back in the news. The actor — known for his roles in movies like 'The Big Easy' (1986), 'The Parent Trap' (1998), 'The Rookie' (2002), 'The Day After Tomorrow' (2004) and 'Vantage Point' (2008) — hit headlines for supporting President Donald Trump by participating in a $300 million ad campaign from the Health and Human Services Department to help “defeat despair” about the pandemic, according to a Friday, September 25, 2020, report from Politico.

If reports are to be believed, senior officials have also recorded spots with the singer CeCe Winans and approached the likes of television host Dr. Mehmet Oz and musician Garth Brooks to be a part o the ad campaign, which the HHS is looking to begin airing before Election Day, Politico reported. Described in several budget documents as the "Covid-19 immediate surge public advertising and awareness campaign," the ad blitz will feature video interviews between administration officials and celebrities, who will discuss aspects Trump administration's response to the coronavirus crisis, according to six individuals with knowledge of the campaign who described its workings to Politico.

No sooner did the news hit social media, many people on Twitter canceled Dennis Quaid. "I'd say Dennis Quaid is canceled for being a Trump shill, but I'm pretty sure the past two decades have canceled Dennis Quaid anyway," one tweet read and another said, "Breaking! Dennis Quaid is canceled. I thought it was the other one that had the mental imbalances." Another even went on to say: "All right, so I didn't realize Dennis Quaid was being canceled today but apparently that happened." One even went on to post: "Congrats Dennis Quaid, you made yourself relevant enough again to be canceled. #DennisQuaidisoverparty."

This is not the first time Quaid has stood in support of the president. Back in April, he told The Daily Beast, “I think Trump, no matter what anybody thinks of him, is doing a good job at trying to get these states — and all of the American people — what they need, and also trying to hold our economy together and be prepared for when this is all over.” Not only his affiliation with Trump but many wondered how much he was paid for it.  

"I wonder how much of that $300,000(000) (sic) actually went to Dennis Quaid? Probably none, knowing who's in charge," one tweet read. Another said, "A lot of fascists on the timeline wanting to end Dennis Quaid's career for appearing in political ads." One said, "In ANY other administration this would be a scandal that would be in the news for weeks. "President paid Dennis Quaid to make campaign video using pandemic funds" would've lead to impeachment trials for any other. This story is lost in a sea of corruption." 

His personal life also splashed all over social media after the news was announced. In 1991, Quaid married actress Meg Ryan after they reportedly fell in love during the shooting of their second film together, 'DOA' and together they welcomed son, Jack Henry Quaid, born on April 24, 1992. However, the couple announced their separation nine years later on June 28, 2000. Back then, Meg was criticized for her separation with Quaid and now people feel that was wrong.

"Anyone who criticized Meg Ryan for leaving Dennis Quaid owes her a BIG apology. He’s a moron," one tweet read and another said, "This money could’ve been spent on PPE or national testing. But no....Trump blew $300 f*cking MILLION on a PR ad instead of solving any of our country’s problems. As for Dennis Quaid....a BIG kudos to Meg Ryan for leaving him." One even went on to say: "Meg Ryan got John Mellencamp and Dennis Quaid got Donald Trump. Meg Ryan wins."

Quaid is now married to Laura Savoie. Amid all the controversy, only time will tell what happens after the advertisement is released.