George Clooney has fired back at Donald Trump after Trump launched a December 30 tirade against the actor and his wife, Amal Clooney, for obtaining French citizenship. The 64-year-old star turned Trump’s own signature slogan against him, stating: “We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.”
The exchange marks the latest chapter in a years-long public feud between the Hollywood star and the 79-year-old Trump. Trump posted a lengthy rant on Truth Social criticizing the Clooneys after France granted citizenship to the family, including their eight-year-old twins Alexander and Ella.
In his response, Clooney’s reference to November appeared to point toward the November 2026 midterm elections, when control of Congress could shift and potentially alter the political landscape.
The conflict escalated after Clooney gave an interview to Variety in which he revealed surprising details about his past relationship with Trump. Clooney stated he knew Trump very well. Trump used to call him a lot, and Trump tried to help him get into a hospital once to see a back surgeon. Clooney would see him out at clubs and at restaurants.
Clooney described Trump’s personality before entering politics, saying Trump was a big goofball. Clooney noted that all changed when Trump entered politics.
The comments prompted Trump to lash out on his Truth Social platform, calling Clooney’s movies “mediocre” and claiming the actor “wasn’t a movie star at all.” Trump branded Clooney as the “worst political prognosticator” in his post.
Despite Trump’s dismissal of Clooney’s film career, the actor’s movies have grossed over $2 billion throughout his career. Clooney has won two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes, establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most successful actors.
The citizenship news came after the Clooney family purchased an $8.3 million estate in Provence, France, in 2021. The 425-acre property offers the family a European base.
In his Variety interview, Clooney also criticized CBS and ABC for settling Trump lawsuits, stating that the networks’ decisions had damaged the country.
The feud between Trump and Clooney dates back to 2024, when Clooney urged Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Trump has repeatedly referenced this incident, accusing Clooney of being disloyal to the former president.
While Clooney has been critical of Trump’s administration, other Hollywood figures have publicly supported Trump. Kid Rock and Carrie Underwood have both shown backing for Trump.
Trump has also surrounded himself with Hollywood allies in official capacities. He appointed Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as Hollywood envoys, tasking them with supporting the entertainment industry.
The personal history between Trump and Clooney adds a layer of complexity to their public disputes. Their past friendship, characterized by frequent phone calls and social encounters, stands in stark contrast to their current adversarial relationship.
Clooney’s decision to obtain French citizenship reflects a broader trend of Americans seeking residency or citizenship in other countries. The move offers greater security for their children away from the intense media scrutiny common in the United States.
The actor has maintained his political activism despite Trump’s attacks. His work extends beyond domestic politics to international human rights issues, often in partnership with his wife Amal. The couple’s influence spans both entertainment and political spheres, making them frequent targets for criticism from conservative politicians and media.
Trump’s Truth Social post on December 30, 2025, represented his most recent and detailed attack on Clooney, combining criticism of the actor’s political views, film career, and decision to obtain French citizenship. The post exemplified Trump’s characteristic style of lengthy, personal attacks on perceived adversaries.
The timing of Clooney’s response, delivered on January 1, 2026, carried symbolic weight as Americans entered the new year. His pointed reference to making America great again “in November” served as both a direct challenge to Trump and a rallying cry for opposition to the administration’s policies.
As the political landscape continues to evolve throughout 2026, the ongoing conflict between entertainment figures like Clooney and political leaders like Trump highlights the increasingly blurred lines between celebrity culture and governance. The exchange demonstrates how personal relationships can transform into public political battles, played out across social media platforms and traditional news outlets.
The November 2026 midterm elections will serve as a crucial test of public sentiment regarding Trump’s presidency and the direction of American politics. Clooney’s statement positioning that date as the beginning of making America great again suggests he anticipates significant political change through the electoral process, setting up what promises to be a contentious campaign season ahead.
