George Clooney delivered a surprising message to both President Donald Trump and the Democratic Party during his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on February 18, 2025. The 63-year-old actor, who has long been a vocal supporter of progressive causes, had the chance to discuss his latest Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck—which he both starred in and directed—before shifting the conversation to politics. Clooney’s comments, while promoting his play, provided insight into his views on the 2024 presidential race and the current state of U.S. democracy.
A Reflection on Politics
Clooney, who endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, began by humorously reflecting on his Kentucky upbringing as a Democrat. “I was raised a Democrat in Kentucky,” he said, laughing, “and it’s been nothing but fun.” He shared that his first experience voting was in 1980, casting his ballot for the Democratic incumbent, Jimmy Carter, despite the eventual victory of Ronald Reagan. “I lost with some Bushes and I won with some Clintons and Obamas. You know, this is democracy,” he joked, acknowledging the ups and downs of the political process.
The conversation soon turned to the 2024 election results, with Clooney addressing the Democrats’ defeat. While neither Clooney nor Colbert directly mentioned Donald Trump by name, the actor referenced the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, saying, “Well, I don’t know, what am I supposed to do? Storm the f***ing Capitol?” This bold remark drew applause from the audience, highlighting Clooney’s frustration with the state of politics in the country.
A Surprising Message for Trump
What followed was a moment of unexpected sincerity as Clooney sent a direct message to President Trump without mentioning him by name. “Good for you. I hope you do well because our country needs it,” Clooney said, continuing, “and we will meet you in 3.5 years and see where we go next.” This comment came after Clooney’s previous public criticism of Biden’s candidacy. Earlier in 2024, the actor penned an op-ed in The New York Times urging Joe Biden to step aside and give the Democratic Party a better chance at holding the White House. Clooney had been vocal about his concerns regarding Biden’s age and performance, even claiming that Biden’s 2024 debate performance showed he was no longer the same man who had been so effective in earlier years.
Clooney’s Role in the 2024 Race
George Clooney played a pivotal role in Biden’s 2024 campaign, notably hosting a high-profile fundraiser that raised a remarkable $30 million for the president’s re-election bid. However, just weeks before the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Clooney’s concerns about Biden’s ability to win re-election reached a boiling point. In his New York Times op-ed, he expressed love and respect for Biden, but stated bluntly, “We are not going to win in November with this president.” He further predicted that the Democrats would lose control of both the House and Senate. Clooney argued that the Democratic Party needed fresh leadership to re-energize voters and put up a real fight against Trump’s campaign.
Despite his criticism of Biden, George message to Trump on Colbert’s show signaled a desire for bipartisan cooperation and healing in the wake of the divisive political landscape. His message, which mixed frustration with optimism, reflected the uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S. politics and the role of key figures like Trump and Biden in shaping it.
A Personal Touch: Lessons from His Son
Attempting to relate the political turmoil to everyday life, George shared a heartwarming story about his seven-year-old son, Alexander. “He plays in chess tournaments, loves chess, and he’s playing against older kids, not winning all the time,” Clooney explained. “He gets upset, and I say, ‘Listen, shake the guy’s hand, say good game, I’ll get you next time.’ That’s how you’ve got to live by those rules.” This personal anecdote illustrated Clooney’s approach to life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, sportsmanship, and looking ahead to future opportunities.
Looking Ahead to 2028
While Clooney acknowledged the disappointment of losing the 2024 election, he remained optimistic about the future. He remarked, “It’s part of democracy. There are people who agree and disagree, and most of us still like each other. We’re all going to get through it.” With the 2028 election on the horizon, George hinted that the political landscape could change in surprising ways, but for now, the focus remains on the challenges ahead.
George surprising message to both President Trump and the Democratic Party exemplified his nuanced approach to the political process. Despite his past criticisms, he urged cooperation and expressed hope for the future of the nation. While 2024 may have ended in defeat for the Democrats, George’s words underscored the importance of resilience and the ever-evolving nature of U.S. politics.
