In a recent exchange that highlights the escalating tensions of the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump has taken aim at actor George Clooney following Clooney's op-ed in The New York Times. The actor suggested that President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic nominee, should withdraw from the race due to concerns about his mental sharpness and ability to defeat Trump.
Clooney, 63, wrote that Biden, 81, is not fit to take on Trump in the upcoming election, sparking a backlash from the former president. Trump, 78, responded on Truth Social, calling Clooney a "fake movie actor" who has "never came close to making a great movie." Trump accused Clooney and Biden of betrayal and criticized the actor for merely echoing Democratic talking points without true understanding.
"Clooney doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He’s just repeating what the Democrats want him to say," Trump wrote. "He never really made it in movies and should stick to television!"
The op-ed and subsequent comments from Trump come just weeks after Clooney raised millions for Biden's campaign. Despite his fundraising efforts, Clooney's public stance reflects a growing concern among some Democrats about Biden's ability to compete effectively against Trump. This sentiment is echoed by several Democratic leaders, including Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who have urged Biden to reconsider his candidacy following a lackluster debate performance on June 27 that raised questions about his cognitive abilities.
Trump has openly stated that he believes Biden is his best chance to reclaim the White House, indicating his preference for Biden to remain in the race. "Biden didn’t save our Democracy. He brought our Democracy to its knees," Trump asserted, framing the incumbent president as ineffective.
Clooney's critique of Biden and Trump's sharp retort underscore the increasing polarization and personal attacks that are defining the early stages of the 2024 presidential campaign. Clooney argued in his op-ed that Biden’s age and perceived mental decline would hinder his ability to secure a second term, suggesting that a younger, more dynamic candidate might have a better chance against Trump.
In response to Clooney’s criticisms, Trump’s comments were characteristically blunt and dismissive. "Clooney never really made it in movies and should stick to television," Trump said, downplaying the actor's achievements and attempting to discredit his political views by attacking his professional success.
The interplay between Hollywood and politics is nothing new, but the direct involvement of celebrities in political discourse has become more pronounced in recent years. Clooney, known for his liberal activism, has frequently been at odds with conservative figures, and his recent comments about Biden are the latest example of his willingness to engage in political debates.
Despite the criticism from Trump, Clooney's concerns reflect a broader debate within the Democratic Party about the best strategy to defeat Trump in 2024. Some party members believe that a fresh face might energize the base and attract independent voters more effectively than Biden, whose approval ratings have been lackluster.