What started as a routine update about dual citizenship quickly became a public showdown between Hollywood and politics.
A legal announcement in France unexpectedly ignited a social media clash, raising questions about celebrity, nationality, and the intersection of fame and political commentary.
George Clooney found himself responding after former President Donald Trump launched a late-night social media attack on December 31. The post targeted Clooney and his wife Amal following reports that the couple had been granted French citizenship.
The French government officially confirmed the decision in the Journal Officiel, citing the Clooneys’ contributions to France’s international influence and cultural outreach. The family resides on a farm in Brignoles, southern France, which they purchased in 2021. Clooney has described it as their main home, noting in a 2023 interview with Esquire that their children’s well-being was a key factor in the move.
Trump, however, appeared to take issue with the Clooneys’ new dual US-French status, including that of their eight-year-old twins. On Truth Social, he mocked the couple, criticized France’s immigration policies, questioned Clooney’s political views, and dismissed his film career as “mediocre,” ending his post with his familiar campaign slogan.
Clooney responded with measured humor, telling Deadline: “I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.” The comment referred to the upcoming midterm elections, which determine Congressional control halfway through a presidential term.
In a recent Variety interview, Clooney reflected on his past relationship with Trump, noting that they were friendly before Trump entered politics but that “everything changed.” He also criticized networks ABC and CBS for settling defamation lawsuits brought by Trump, suggesting different outcomes could have influenced today’s political climate.
Conclusion
What began as a straightforward announcement about dual citizenship has evolved into a public clash between celebrity and political influence. Clooney’s measured response highlights his focus on family and civic engagement, while the exchange demonstrates how even personal life choices can become amplified in the age of social media, fueling national debate and scrutiny.