George Clooney Slams Government Overreach in Press – Trump Fires Back With Scathing Criticism
Hollywood actor and filmmaker George Clooney made headlines after his appearance on 60 Minutes this past Sunday, where he issued a stark warning about what he sees as the growing threat to press freedom in the United States. As expected, former President Donald Trump was quick to fire back, calling Clooney a “second-rate movie ‘star’ and failed political pundit” on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Clooney’s Warning on Press Freedom
During his 60 Minutes interview, Clooney used his platform to highlight his deep concern over how the government—regardless of political affiliation—continues to pressure, punish, and silence journalists.
“When the other three estates fail—when the judiciary, the executive, and the legislative branches fail us—the fourth estate has to succeed,” Clooney stated passionately, referring to the press as the critical fourth pillar of democracy.
He pointed to recent developments involving major media networks, including ABC and CBS, noting that both were embroiled in legal issues tied to the Trump administration. Clooney said:
“ABC has just settled a lawsuit with the Trump administration. And CBS News is in the process… We’re seeing this idea of using government to scare or fine or use corporations to make journalists smaller.”
Clooney emphasized that this isn’t a partisan issue: “Governments don’t like the freedom of the press. They never have. And that goes for whether you are a conservative or a liberal or whatever side you’re on. They don’t like the press.”
The actor’s comments echo themes from his latest project—a Broadway adaptation of his 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck, which follows the story of famed journalist Edward R. Murrow as he takes on Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare of the 1950s. Clooney, who wrote and directed the original film, said the story feels more relevant now than ever.
Trump Responds on Truth Social
Donald Trump, who has long maintained a combative relationship with members of the press and Hollywood elites, wasted no time responding. In a scathing post on Truth Social, Trump lashed out at Clooney, accusing him of hypocrisy and political opportunism.
“George Clooney, a second-rate movie ‘star’ and failed political pundit, is now trying to become a ‘wise man’ of the press. He supported Crooked Joe Biden—then dumped him like a dog,” Trump wrote.
Trump was referring to a recent op-ed Clooney published in The New York Times, where the actor called on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing concerns about Biden’s age and viability as a candidate. The piece generated significant media buzz and added fuel to ongoing conversations within the Democratic Party about leadership and electability.
Trump went on to claim that Clooney had shifted support to Vice President Kamala Harris at the urging of the “Obama camp,” only to later back away from that position too:
“Later, I assume under orders from the Obama camp, [Clooney] pushed all out for ‘Kamala,’ only to soon realize that this was not going to work out too well.”
A Clash of Celebrity and Politics
This isn’t the first time Clooney and Trump have clashed publicly. Throughout Trump’s presidency, Clooney was an outspoken critic of his policies and rhetoric, particularly regarding immigration, climate change, and the press. Trump, in turn, has frequently dismissed Hollywood actors who speak out against him as “out of touch elites” who don’t understand the concerns of everyday Americans.
Clooney, however, remains undeterred. While promoting his Broadway project, he has continued to use interviews and public appearances to draw attention to the dangers he sees in eroding press freedoms, unchecked executive power, and political apathy.
“This isn’t just a show,” Clooney told 60 Minutes. “This is history. This is what happens when fear and power collide. And right now, we’re seeing too much of that.”
The 60 Minutes episode has sparked a wide array of reactions, with some viewers applauding Clooney’s courage for speaking out and others accusing him of trying to insert Hollywood into national politics. Either way, his words—and Trump’s fiery response—have reignited debates over media freedom, government power, and the ever-blurring lines between celebrity and political influence in America.
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