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George and Amal Clooney | Donald Trump | Source: Getty Images
George and Amal Clooney | Donald Trump | Source: Getty Images

George Clooney Responds to President Trump's Comments on His & Wife's French Citizenship

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Jan 06, 2026
09:33 A.M.

George and Amal Clooney's decision to raise their children in France was meant to offer privacy and normalcy. Still, confirmation of their new citizenship has drawn them into a political firestorm led by the U.S. president.

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Hollywood icon George Clooney has come out swinging after Donald Trump unleashed a scathing online attack targeting his family, French citizenship, and political views, dragging his wife Amal, their young children, and even his film career into the spotlight.

George Clooney kissing Amal Clooney's hand at the "Jay Kelly" red carpet during the 82nd International Venice Film Festival in Italy on August 28, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

George Clooney kissing Amal Clooney's hand at the "Jay Kelly" red carpet during the 82nd International Venice Film Festival in Italy on August 28, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Clooney Under Fire as Trump Rails Against Family's French Move

In a blistering Truth Social post published on New Year's Eve, President Trump lashed out at the Oscar-winning actor and his family just hours after it was confirmed they had been granted French citizenship.

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"Good News!" Trump wrote. "George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France, which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration, much like we had under Sleepy Joe Biden."

Donald Trump during a Cabinet meeting in the White House in Washington, D.C., on December 2, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Donald Trump during a Cabinet meeting in the White House in Washington, D.C., on December 2, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

The post then turned personal, zeroing in on Clooney's support for President Joe Biden, his appearance at a political fundraiser after "the now infamous debate," and even his decades-long acting career.

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Trump claimed, "Clooney got more publicity for politics than he did for his very few, and totally mediocre, movies." He went on to dismiss the actor. "He wasn't a movie star at all, he was just an average guy who complained, constantly, about common sense in politics."

Donald Trump addressing people in a December 2025 meeting | Source: Getty Images

Donald Trump addressing people in a December 2025 meeting | Source: Getty Images

The jabs continued, "Remember when Clooney, after the now infamous debate, dumped Joe during a fundraiser, only to go onto the side of another stellar candidate, Jamala(K!), who is now fighting it out with the worst governor in the Country, including Tim Waltz, Gavin Newscum, for who is going to lead the Democrats to their future defeat."

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He ended with his trademark sign-off, "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Donald Trump pictured in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Donald Trump pictured in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Clooney Fires Back

The next day, January 1, 2025, Clooney responded in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, delivering a biting, one-line comeback.

"I totally agree with the current president," Clooney said. "We have to make America great again. We'll start in November."

George Clooney onstage at "BFI Presents: George Clooney in conversation" in London, England on November 21, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

George Clooney onstage at "BFI Presents: George Clooney in conversation" in London, England on November 21, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

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Citizenship Confirmed by Official French Decree

Confirmation of the Clooneys' new status came from none other than the French government, with their names published in the Journal Officiel, the country's formal registry of decrees.

According to the document, the "Gravity" actor, his human rights lawyer wife, and their two children were all granted French citizenship. His wife was listed under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin.

Amal Clooney attend the red carpet of the movie "Jay Kelly" during the 82nd Venice Film Festival in Italy on August 28, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Amal Clooney attend the red carpet of the movie "Jay Kelly" during the 82nd Venice Film Festival in Italy on August 28, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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The family's primary residence is now a farm in Brignoles, a quiet area in southern France, which they've called home since 2021.

Clooney wasn't the first Hollywood figure to feel the sting of a public dismissal from Trump, as actress Cheryl Hines experienced the same last year.

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Chilling Snub: Trump Shuts Down Cheryl Hines in Front of a Packed UFC Arena

It was meant to be another high-energy appearance by Trump, but what unfolded at UFC 314 in Miami on April 13, 2025, quickly turned into a viral controversy that left actress Hines humiliated in full view of the crowd.

A fan comments on Donald Trump's actions | Source: X/@LadyForProgress

A fan comments on Donald Trump's actions | Source: X/@LadyForProgress

The president made a striking entrance, flanked by his two grandchildren, soaking in roaring chants of "USA" as he stepped into the arena. But as the cheers echoed and he moved down the aisle, shaking hands and waving, an awkward and pointed moment left social media ablaze.

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Trump made his way to the front row, where he offered a warm handshake and brief hug to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who now serves as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

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Next to Kennedy stood his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, who extended her hand in greeting. But to her surprise, Trump looked past her and turned his attention to someone else nearby, leaving her gesture unanswered.

Social Media Blows up over the 'Awkward' Exchange

The moment quickly gained traction beyond the arena, drawing swift attention across social media platforms. One person commented, "Totally ignoring RFK's wife." Another questioned, "How do you just let someone disrespect your wife like that?"

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As reactions continued to pour in, many viewers quickly expressed confusion and disappointment over the interaction. One person wondered, "Why he dis Cheryl like that? [sic]" while another asked, "Why did he ignore the lady with JFK junior? Didn't say hello."

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Someone else remarked, "How's he left Bobby Kennedy's lady hanging… [sic]." Others commented on her expression, with one noting, "She looked like she was gonna cry," and another calling the moment "awkward."

Behind the Smile: Hines' Private Struggle with the Political Spotlight

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Though the public was shocked by the incident, insiders weren't. In fact, reports dating back to November 2024 had already suggested that Hines was trying to find her footing within the political world her husband had chosen, particularly Trump's orbit.

Photos showed her cheerful and at ease at Mar-a-Lago on election night, mingling with guests and appearing relaxed. According to one source, she was later spotted at the America First Policy Institute gala, once again surrounded by MAGA-aligned figures.

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"Cheryl was talking to everyone, including Donald Trump," shared the insider, adding that she seemed to be "playing nice with MAGA world." But the public face belied a more complicated private reality.

'The Opposite of What She Would Want': Kennedy Speaks Out on His Wife’s Pain

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Earlier reports had revealed just how difficult Hines found her husband’s political alignment. Kennedy himself acknowledged the strain in interviews, saying his wife was deeply uneasy with the situation. He described it as "the opposite of what she would want to do."

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He clarified that Hines had only offered her support out of love, not political conviction. According to Kennedy, her discomfort had been the dominant emotion throughout the campaign.

From Red Carpets to Political Whiplash: Hines Balances Fame and Loyalty

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Outside the political spotlight, Hines is an actress best known for playing Cheryl David in "Curb Your Enthusiasm," a role that earned her two Emmy nominations. She and Kennedy wed in August 2014.

Cheryl Hines, Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, as seen in a post dated August 2, 2024 | Instagram/ _cherylhines

Cheryl Hines, Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, as seen in a post dated August 2, 2024 | Instagram/ _cherylhines

Their wedding took place at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, with close friends and relatives — including Kennedy's mother, Ethel — attending the private ceremony. However, that elegant setting wasn't their original plan.

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The couple had initially considered a simple civil ceremony at City Hall. It was only after Hines mentioned it to Ethel that the idea shifted. Ethel asked, "Well, don't you want to get married here so we can all be a part of it?"

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That heartfelt question prompted a change, leading to a more intimate celebration at the family estate. The bride wore a strapless, pearl-beaded Romona Keveza gown — unknowingly choosing a style that echoed the grace of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Cheryl Hines on her wedding day as seen in a post dated August 2, 2024 | Instagram/ _cherylhines

Cheryl Hines on her wedding day as seen in a post dated August 2, 2024 | Instagram/ _cherylhines

The ceremony held charm and spontaneity, especially when Ethel's dog unexpectedly wandered down the aisle ahead of the bride. That day marked the celebrity's official entry into one of the nation's most storied families.

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Years later, the memories of that joyful occasion remained vivid as she and Kennedy reached a decade of marriage. To celebrate their milestone in 2024, Hines shared a touching tribute on social media, reflecting on their wedding and the loved ones who were there to share it with them.

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She recalled dancing with her father, her brother Chris, and her niece and nephew, Saoirse and Michael — some of whom had since passed, making the memory all the more meaningful. Looking back on their years together, the 59-year-old Hollywood star expressed deep appreciation for her husband and the life they created:

"You have given me a life I could've never imagined, full of love, laughter, joy, and adventure. In my darkest hours, you bring me light. I love you."

In February 2025, she shared a Valentine's Day tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of the couple with the caption "Happy Valentine's Day," followed by two heart emojis.

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From a public snub at a high-profile event to warm moments shared with her husband, Cheryl Hines remains a figure of interest both on and off the screen. Her evolving presence in political circles has sparked conversation, especially given her earlier discomfort with that world.

Yet, beyond the headlines, she embraces her roles as a wife and an actress with quiet grace. As she and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. celebrate a decade together, their journey reflects a balance of deep personal devotion and persistent public scrutiny.

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