George Clooney, the 63-year-old liberal actor, recently took to the stage at 60 Minutes to promote his Broadway debut. The two-time Oscar winner is portraying renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow in Good Night and Good Luck. During the interview, Clooney positioned himself as a principled defender of journalism and press freedom.
The Hollywood star used his platform to criticize the current administration. He drew parallels between his Broadway role and what he sees as today’s political landscape. The actor even referenced President Donald Trump’s ongoing legal battles with major networks.
CBS gave Clooney ample time to share his political views without challenging pushback. The interview showcased the actor’s opinions about the state of American democracy and journalism.
President Trump, however, wasn’t having any of it. He took to Truth Social with a blistering response that cut through the celebrity worship. I’ve got to say, Trump didn’t mince words about what he thought of both the actor and the network that gave him airtime.
“Why would the now highly-discredited 60 Minutes be doing a total ‘puff piece’ on George Clooney, a second-rate movie ‘star’ and failed political pundit,” Trump wrote. “He fought hard for Sleepy Joe’s election, and then, right after the Debate, dumped him like a dog.”
“Later, I assume under orders from the Obama camp, pushed all out for ‘Kamala,’ only to soon realize that this was not going to work out too well,” he added.
The president didn’t stop there. Indeed, Trump continued his critique by calling out CBS for alleged journalistic malpractice during the 2024 campaign. Trump pointed to what he described as “fraudulently inserted Fake answers” in a pre-election interview with Kamala Harris.
Hollywood Star Gets Presidential Reality Check
The contrast couldn’t be clearer. While Clooney sat in a comfortable studio setting discussing the importance of press freedom, Trump called out the very network airing these comments for its own alleged dishonesty.
Clooney told interviewer Jon Wertheim that “Governments don’t like the freedom of the press. They never have.” The irony is almost too much to bear. CBS is currently facing a $20 billion lawsuit from Trump over allegations of deceptive editing practices.
The actor spoke about the role of journalism when “the other three estates fail.” Yet he failed to acknowledge how mainstream media outlets have consistently provided friendly coverage to liberal politicians and celebrities. Wonder why he didn’t mention that inconvenient detail?
Trump’s direct response cut through the Hollywood veneer. His characterization of Clooney as a “second-rate movie star” resonated with many Americans tired of celebrity political lectures. When was the last time Hollywood actually listened to middle America instead of lecturing us?
From Biden Fundraiser To Political Abandonment
Clooney’s political reliability deserves scrutiny. In June of 2024, he co-hosted a high-profile fundraiser for then-President Joe Biden. Just weeks later, he penned a New York Times op-ed calling on Biden to end his re-election campaign.
When asked about this dramatic reversal during the 60 Minutes interview, Clooney portrayed himself as simply “telling the truth.” He claimed that he “was not proud” of his party’s “profiles in cowardice” during that period.
Trump had previously called out this political about-face. After Clooney’s Biden abandonment, the president slammed him as a “fake movie actor” who “never came close to making a great movie.”
The timeline reveals a pattern. Clooney supported Biden, then dropped him after the debate performance. He then pivoted to supporting Kamala Harris, only to watch that campaign collapse as well. Some political instincts there, wouldn’t you say?
Friendly Questions for Friendly Faces
CBS continues its pattern of providing comfortable platforms for liberal celebrities and politicians. This stands in stark contrast to the network’s treatment of conservative voices.
The 60 Minutes interview allowed Clooney to present himself as a principled truth-teller. There was little examination of his political flip-flopping or the effectiveness of his political judgment.
President Trump faces a dramatically different media environment. While celebrities receive gentle questioning, conservative leaders face hostile interviews and selective editing.
The network is currently embroiled in a massive lawsuit with Trump over alleged journalistic malpractice. Yet CBS continues positioning itself as a defender of press integrity while giving friendly platforms to administration critics.
Americans increasingly recognize this double standard. They see the comfort with which Hollywood elites move between entertainment and political commentary without meaningful challenge.
The stark contrast between Hollywood posturing and presidential straight talk reveals much about today’s media landscape. While actors like Clooney receive reverent treatment discussing politics between film promotions, those actually governing face a different standard.
Perhaps viewers should ask themselves: Who deserves more credibility on matters of national importance? A Hollywood celebrity who jumps between political positions, or a president willing to directly challenge powerful media institutions? I think the American people know the answer.
Source: The New York Post
