US President Donald Trump launched a fresh tirade against actor and filmmaker George Clooney on Sunday night, following Clooney’s appearance on 60 Minutes. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, accusing the show of running a “puff piece” on Clooney, whom he labelled a “second-rate movie star” and a “failed political pundit.”
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Trump’s anger stems from Clooney’s open support for President Joe Biden during the 2020 election. In an opinion piece from July of last year, Clooney urged Biden to drop out of the race, citing concerns over his debate performance against Trump. Reflecting on a later encounter with Biden, Clooney expressed disappointment, stating the president no longer resembled the dynamic figure he had been in the past. This critique clearly struck a nerve with Trump, who used it to bolster his claims of Biden’s unsuitability for office.
Trump went further in his outburst, suggesting that former President Barack Obama had played a role in Biden stepping down and Kamala Harris being pushed forward as the Democratic nominee. He also reignited old grievances, claiming 60 Minutes had doctored answers during Harris’ pre-election interview – allegations that have been firmly denied by CBS, who called the lawsuit against them “an affront to the First Amendment.”
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Clooney, who is preparing to make his Broadway debut next month, referenced the ongoing tensions between the media and government in his 60 Minutes interview, highlighting the dangers posed to press freedom by political figures. His upcoming stage performance is based on his 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck, a reflection on media integrity during the McCarthy era.
