Former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked a fresh political feud on New Year’s Eve after George Clooney, his wife Amal, and their twin children were officially granted French citizenship. The couple’s naturalization triggered an unusually strong reaction from Trump on his social platform, Truth Social, where he posted a lengthy, critical message aimed at the Hollywood star and his family.
Rather than offering congratulations, Trump framed the news as “good news” in a sarcastic tone — touting it as somehow connected to broader challenges in France, including crime and immigration. His post quickly drew attention due to its unusually combative tone and personal attacks on Clooney’s career and political record.
The Content of Trump’s Rant
In his social media message, Trump didn’t just note the couple’s French citizenship — he lampooned George Clooney’s movie career and political involvement. The former president called the actor and his wife “two of the worst political prognosticators of all time”, claiming that Clooney’s political commentary had drawn more attention than his film work. Trump went on to mock Clooney’s career as “mediocre” and described him as “just an average guy who complained, constantly, about common sense in politics.” This language echoed Trump’s broader political messaging strategy: using cultural figures as symbols of partisan disagreement. By tying Clooney’s citizenship to issues like immigration and public safety in France, Trump amplified his critique beyond an individual dispute and connected it with policy debates that have animated his base.
France’s Position and Broader Context
The couple’s acquisition of French citizenship earlier in December 2025 was widely covered internationally. The French government defended the decision, describing the Clooneys as contributing to France’s international influence and cultural outreach. French officials noted that naturalization procedures, including security checks and regulatory interviews, were followed before granting citizenship. France’s interior ministry also responded to questions over the timing of the citizenship, especially as new language and civic requirements for applicants were about to take effect. Officials emphasized that the Clooneys met legal criteria and highlighted the benefits the family would bring, both culturally and socially, to France.
Clooney’s Response
George Clooney didn’t stay silent. In public statements after Trump’s remarks, the actor reclaimed Trump’s own slogan, saying “We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November,” referencing the 2026 midterm elections. The response was interpreted as both a rebuttal to Trump’s criticism and a broader call for political engagement.
Clooney has long been vocal about U.S. politics, fundraising for Democratic candidates and occasionally airing frank critiques of political leadership. His commentary on the 2024 election cycle — including a widely discussed op‑ed urging change — has set the stage for continued public disagreement with Trump’s political positions.
Why This Matters
The clash reflects how celebrity citizenship decisions can become flashpoints in broader cultural and political debates. Trump leveraged the news to critique a well‑known Hollywood figure whose political views differ sharply from his own, turning a personal milestone into a partisan talking point. Observers note that this is part of a wider pattern — where political leaders use high‑profile cultural developments to energize followers and provoke opponents. As Trump continues to engage with public discourse beyond his presidency, exchanges like this one with Clooney highlight how polarizing figures remain influential in shaping national conversations.
