George Clooney has responded after Donald Trump went after him online late Wednesday, posting a long rant aimed at the actor and his wife, Amal. The comments landed on New Year’s Eve and quickly drew attention because of how personal they became.
The 79 year old president focused much of his anger on the fact that Clooney and his wife were granted French citizenship. That information was published in the Journal Officiel, where official French government decrees are released to the public.
The couple currently live on their farm in Brignoles, located in the south of France. The French government said the citizenship was granted because “they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France’s international influence and cultural outreach.”
Clooney and Amal bought the French estate in 2021 and later explained that it became their primary residence. In an interview last October, Clooney said the move was made with their children in mind.
Trump appeared especially bothered that the couple’s eight-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, are now dual citizens. He used Truth Social to criticize Clooney, France, and immigration policies in a lengthy post.
He wrote: “Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration, much like we had under Sleepy Joe Biden.”
Trump continued his attack by bringing up past political moments involving Clooney and other Democratic figures. He also mocked the actor’s film career, writing: “Clooney got more publicity for politics than he did for his very few, and totally mediocre, movies. He wasn’t a movie star at all, he was just an average guy who complained, constantly, about common sense in politics. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
According to a statement reported later, Clooney responded briefly but pointedly. He said: “I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.”
The remark was a reference to the upcoming US midterm elections, which take place in November. Those elections happen halfway through a presidential term and determine which party controls Congress.
The clash comes as Clooney recently reflected on his past relationship with Trump before politics entered the picture. In an interview, he said: “I knew him very well. He used to call me a lot, and he tried to help me get into a hospital once to see a back surgeon.”
He added: “I’d see him out at clubs and at restaurants. He’s a big goofball. Well, he was. That all changed.” Clooney has also criticized major networks for settling defamation lawsuits tied to Trump, arguing those decisions helped shape the current political climate.
