George Clooney has expressed a firm conviction regarding the future of former President Donald Trump. In a recent conversation with renowned Broadway actress Patti LuPone, for the “Actors on Actors: Broadway” series produced by Variety, the Academy Award winner—a long-standing Democrat—predicted that Mr. Trump’s influence will diminish significantly upon his departure from office.
Clooney’s statement arose during a discussion concerning recurring patterns in political leadership and the enduring impact of figures exhibiting authoritarian tendencies. He stated, “From President Jackson through [Joseph] McCarthy to this present instance of the demagogue, such individuals ultimately lose their power when they leave public life.” He specifically referenced Trump as an example of this historical trend: “And he will go away.”
The actor acknowledged Trump’s considerable appeal. He noted that “the Republican Party currently lacks a comparable figure in terms of charisma, recognizing his significant presence on television and as a captivating personality.” Clooney further suggested that the current period, despite its perceived intensity, is less perilous than other moments in American history, citing the 1960s as an example. “We’ve been in much worse places,” he asserted. “The only difference now lies in the proliferation of information sources – a change, not a fundamental shift in danger.” He emphasized that while the current situation may *feel* chaotic, it is not comparable to the unrest and despair experienced during earlier periods.
Despite his longstanding support for the Democratic Party, Clooney has been willing to offer critical assessments of its internal dynamics. Recently, in an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN, he addressed criticism following a guest essay published in *The New York Times*, expressing concerns about President Biden’s cognitive abilities and urging him to step aside from the 2024 election race.
Shortly after publishing this opinion piece, President Biden announced his withdrawal from the race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. Clooney explained to Tapper that he felt obligated to voice his concerns, stating he could not remain silent while party leaders disregarded evidence suggesting a decline in the former president’s mental state.
Looking ahead, Clooney has suggested potential leadership candidates within the Democratic Party—Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan—emphasizing the need for figures who possess both “a sense of humor” and a clear “sense of purpose.” He also expressed disappointment regarding the decision to bypass a primary election for Vice President Harris, but remains hopeful about the party’s prospects of regaining control of the House of Representatives. “I believe we’ll recapture the House within a year and a half,” he told LuPone, adding that this would serve as an important mechanism for maintaining accountability.
Following Clooney’s “60 Minutes” interview, former President Trump responded on Truth Social, branding him a “second-rate movie star” and dismissing him as a “failed political pundit.”
