Actor and filmmaker George Clooney has issued a response after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized him and his wife, international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, in a social media post.
The comments followed reports confirming that the Clooneys were granted French citizenship, a decision officially published in France’s Journal Officiel, the government record of formal decrees. French authorities stated that citizenship was awarded because the couple “contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France’s international influence and cultural outreach.”
George and Amal Clooney currently reside at a property in southern France, which they have described as their primary home. In previous interviews, Clooney has said the decision to live abroad was made with family life and their children’s wellbeing in mind.
Trump reacted sharply to the news on his social media platform, criticizing the couple’s decision to hold dual U.S.–French citizenship. His remarks included attacks on France’s immigration policies, Clooney’s political views, and his film career, which he dismissed as “mediocre.” The post concluded with Trump’s familiar campaign slogan.
Clooney later addressed the remarks in a statement to Deadline, offering a brief but pointed response that many interpreted as politically charged.
The exchange follows comments Clooney made in a separate interview reflecting on his past relationship with Trump. Clooney said the two were once on friendly terms before Trump entered politics, but noted that their relationship changed significantly afterward.
Clooney has also criticized major television networks for settling defamation lawsuits brought by Trump, arguing that such decisions may weaken press freedom and have broader consequences for the media and political discourse.