Actor George Clooney voiced concerns about the current political environment’s effect on journalism in a recent CNN interview, stating, “it’s a scary time to be a news person” under President Donald Trump’s administration. The remarks were made during an interview on Wednesday, June 4, on the set of his Broadway play “Good Night, and Good Luck.”
In a conversation with Anderson Cooper, Clooney pointed out that numerous news organizations are currently facing criticism from the Trump administration. He specifically mentioned that Cooper and CBS’s “60 Minutes” have been targets of such criticism. The actor suggested this pattern is characteristic of demagogues who often begin by attacking news outlets.
Clooney argued that these attacks on news organizations pose a fundamental threat to democratic institutions, explaining that these tactics often target the media because it is how citizens stay informed about current events. He described the situation as both frustrating and alarming for those working in the journalism field.
According to The Independent, Clooney acknowledged widespread concerns about being targeted by the Trump administration but emphasized that fear should not prevent people from standing up for their beliefs. He highlighted the importance of maintaining principles to set an example for future generations despite concerns about potential retribution.
The actor drew parallels between the current political environment and the McCarthy era of the 1950s.
The interview occurred on the set where Clooney performs in the Broadway adaptation of “Good Night, and Good Luck,” for which he has been nominated for a Tony Award for his role as CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow. The production explores Murrow’s confrontations with Senator Joseph McCarthy during the 1950s communist witch-hunt period. Clooney suggested that today’s climate of fear is more widespread than McCarthyism, extending beyond Washington, D.C., and affecting law firms and universities.
Clooney responded to Cooper’s claim that America is experiencing its worst period by arguing that the nation has faced more challenging times, citing 1968 when widespread unrest occurred in cities, government buildings were surrounded by the National Guard, and the nation faced the Vietnam War’s Tet Offensive and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy.
Regarding the future of Trump’s political influence, Clooney predicted that “Trumpism” would not outlast the current president’s term. He attributed Trump’s success mainly to his celebrity status and charisma, noting that Trump has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Clooney asserted that the Republican Party lacks a figure capable of delivering Trump’s message with similar charisma once his presidency ends. He anticipated that when Trump’s political career concludes, the party will struggle to find a successor who can replicate his level of popular appeal and celebrity-driven political success.
Despite concerns about potential government retribution, Clooney remained steadfast in his commitment to maintaining his political stance. He expressed a desire to explain to his twins, Alexander and Ella, where he stood during significant historical moments. Clooney shares the seven-year-old twins with his wife, international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.
Clooney’s remarks reflect broader concerns within Hollywood regarding potential targeting by the Trump administration. Other prominent figures in the entertainment industry have expressed similar concerns about potential business repercussions and government investigations. The actor noted that while these concerns are common, allowing fear to dictate actions would prevent individuals from taking significant stands on important issues.
The Broadway production of “Good Night, and Good Luck” serves as a platform for examining historical parallels between past and present political climates. Through his portrayal of Murrow, Clooney draws connections between the journalist’s courage in confronting McCarthyism and the challenges facing modern media organizations. The play reminds audiences that the nation has overcome difficult periods and historically finds ways to address political challenges.
