Los Angeles, California — George Clooney shared insights into his former friendship with Donald Trump, detailing how their relationship soured amid the political landscape. The actor, now 64, recounted in a recent interview that he and Trump were once frequent social contacts, with the former president often reaching out to him for assistance, including helping him arrange a visit to a back surgeon.
Clooney described Trump as a “big goofball” during their years of camaraderie, noting their interactions at various upscale venues. However, the actor indicated that everything shifted when Trump transitioned to a political career in 2016. Known for his progressive ideals, Clooney has since emerged as a vocal critic of the Trump administration.
The discord escalated following Clooney’s family gaining French citizenship in late 2025. Trump’s reaction on his social media platform conveyed resentment, calling Clooney’s work “mediocre” and insinuating that the actor was more focused on political discourse than his film endeavors. Clooney responded shortly thereafter, cleverly appropriating Trump’s campaign slogan: “We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.”
This exchange illustrates the deepening rift defined by their divergent political philosophies. Clooney has actively advocated for Democratic principles, even penning an op-ed in 2024 urging then-President Joe Biden not to pursue re-election. When reflecting on the op-ed, he characterized the decision as part of his civic responsibility, underscoring the importance of holding political figures accountable, including those within his party.
Clooney also took issue with major media outlets, criticizing them for capitulating to Trump through high-profile legal settlements. He pointed to a $15 million agreement between ABC News and Trump, arguing that the media’s failure to challenge his lawsuits contributed to a significant erosion of journalistic integrity.
His concerns extend to recent changes at CBS News, which he believes are detrimental to quality reporting. After CBS merged with Paramount and appointed Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief, Clooney expressed worry over what he perceives as a dismantling of journalistic standards, questioning the ability of Americans to access reliable news.
While Clooney remains a staunch critic of Trump, the entertainment industry has seen a range of responses to Trump’s second presidential term. The president recently appointed actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as special ambassadors to bolster the entertainment sector. Trump claimed that these figures would play key roles in revitalizing the American film industry, which he argued lost ground to international competition.
Despite the political divide, some celebrities have rallied behind Trump, including country artist Carrie Underwood and rock musician Kid Rock, illustrating the longstanding complexity of Hollywood’s political affiliations. Historically, the entertainment world has leaned Democratic, yet a faction continues to align with Republican initiatives.
Clooney’s reflections on his past relationship with Trump offer a glimpse into the former president’s persona beyond politics, portraying him as sociable and eager to lend a hand. This characterization stands in stark contrast to the combative political figure he has become, particularly in dealing with critics.
As Trump forges ahead in his second term and Clooney adjusts to his new status as a French citizen, their ongoing public exchanges underscore the heightened political polarization shaping American society. Clooney’s strategic use of Trump’s campaign rhetoric in their recent back-and-forth suggests that their conflict is far from resolution, with the actor poised to continue engaging in political advocacy despite the personal ramifications. For him, the struggle against prevailing political norms reflects a broader battle resonating across the nation.