NEW YORK — In a recent appearance on CBS’s “Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” George Clooney, well-known for both his acting prowess and political activism, unexpectedly voiced support for President Donald Trump. This marks a notable shift for Clooney, who has historically aligned with Democratic leaders and causes. During the broadcast, Clooney expressed his well wishes to Trump, emphasizing the importance of national success over political divisions.
Clooney, aged 63 and currently starring in the Broadway play “Good Night, and Good Luck,” seemed to set aside previous differences in hopes of national prosperity. “Good for you. I hope you do well because our country needs it, and we will meet you in 3.5 years and see where we go next,” he stated, suggesting a pragmatic approach to the current administration while keeping an eye towards future political contests.
This development follows Clooney’s influential New York Times op-ed in 2024 wherein he openly criticized the electability of then-Democratic nominee Joe Biden due to concerns over his age and performance. Despite his appreciation for Biden’s long service in various governmental roles, Clooney advocated for a new Democratic nominee, a move that contributed to Biden stepping down in July to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.
Following Biden’s announcement, Clooney threw his support behind Harris, contributing to her campaign efforts by focusing on outreach to male voters. Nonetheless, the Harris-Walz ticket was unsuccessful in the Electoral College, losing to Trump and JD Vance by a margin of 86 votes, despite a narrow popular vote gap.
Clooney’s political involvement dates back to his first vote cast for Jimmy Carter in 1980, reflecting a long-standing commitment to Democratic politics. In his discussion with Colbert, he also shared personal reflections on the political process and the broader implications of electoral outcomes, emphasizing both in life and politics the importance of sportsmanship, a lesson he imparts through his anecdotes of his son Alexander’s chess tournaments.
Notably, Clooney touched on the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot during the program, an event that has marked a defining moment in American politics, drawing applause from the audience for his comments. Additionally, the actor addressed the need for civility in a political climate marked by contentious rhetoric, a point underscored by Colbert’s reference to a controversial statement from Trump’s 2024 campaign trail.
Throughout the interview, Clooney articulated a vision for moving forward amidst disagreements, stressing the underlying unity that sustains democracy. “It’s part of democracy. There are people who agree and disagree, and most of us still like each other, we’re all gonna get through it,” he remarked, thereby offering a hopeful stance on navigating the polarized political environment.
As the political cycles continue to unfold, Clooney’s unexpected endorsement of Trump suggests a strategic, perhaps more conciliatory approach to current political realities, highlighting the potential shifts in how public figures and voters alike may be reevaluating their positions in an increasingly unpredictable landscape.