Republican President Donald Trump criticized George Clooney after the actor made remarks during a 60 Minutes interview, in which he discussed the U.S. government’s negative stance toward the press, regardless of political affiliation.
Clooney, 63, appeared on the broadcast to promote the Broadway adaptation of his 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck, which he directed and co-wrote. The production, which marks Clooney’s Broadway debut, focuses on the 1950s era of the Red Scare and the conflict between CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led aggressive anti-Communist investigations.
During the interview, Clooney discussed the role of the press in holding governments accountable, emphasizing its importance in the face of failures in the judicial, executive, and legislative branches. He expressed concern over the current environment for journalists, referring to lawsuits involving the Trump administration and its impact on the media landscape. He remarked that governments, regardless of political affiliation, have historically been hostile to a free press.
Following the broadcast on March 23, 2025, Trump responded on his social media platform, questioning the credibility of 60 Minutes and disparaging Clooney’s career and political actions. Trump accused Clooney of supporting President Joe Biden’s election and later turning on him. He also criticized Clooney’s involvement in political matters, suggesting that he should focus on acting instead.
This is not the first time Trump and Clooney have clashed. Clooney previously wrote an op-ed for The New York Times urging President Biden to step aside in favor of a stronger Democratic candidate. Trump responded by dismissing Clooney’s opinions and calling him a “fake movie actor.”
In a subsequent interview, Clooney challenged Trump to step into the political arena himself, suggesting that he would be willing to do so if Trump did the same. Meanwhile, Good Night, and Good Luck began previews on March 12, 2025, with its official opening set for April 3, 2025, running through June 8, 2025.
