In a late-year development that blended Hollywood glamour with international politics, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized acclaimed actor and filmmaker George Clooney. The verbal attack came shortly after news broke that Clooney, alongside his wife, renowned human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, had obtained French citizenship.
A Transatlantic Citizenship Shift Sparks Political Ire
The core of the controversy stems from a significant personal decision by the Clooneys. While specific details of the citizenship process were not fully disclosed in initial reports, the move was confirmed in late December 2025. George Clooney, a longtime resident of various global locales and a prominent liberal voice, and his wife Amal, who is of Lebanese-British descent, are now also citizens of France.
This personal milestone, however, quickly drew the attention of Donald Trump. The former president, known for his pointed commentary on political and cultural opponents, seized on the news to launch a critique. Although the exact platform or statement from Trump was not detailed in the initial report, the Associated Press confirmed the rebuke was issued on December 31, 2025.
The Clooneys: A Power Couple on the World Stage
George Clooney is far more than a movie star; he is a high-profile activist and philanthropist. His work has focused on international human rights and crisis resolution, often putting him at odds with political figures like Trump. Amal Clooney is a barrister specializing in international law and human rights, representing clients before international courts and the United Nations. Together, they form one of the world's most visible advocacy-oriented couples.
The couple was last seen publicly at a high-profile event in London on December 3, 2023, attending the screening of the film "The Boys in the Boat." This image, captured by photographer Alberto Pezzali, underscores their continued presence in the international spotlight, two years before the citizenship news broke.
Broader Implications and the Blurring of Lines
Trump's decision to criticize a private citizenship choice highlights the ongoing blurring of lines between celebrity, personal decisions, and political discourse. For figures like Clooney, whose public life is inextricably linked to his activism, such personal milestones are often interpreted through a political lens by opponents.
The incident serves as a reminder of how global mobility and dual citizenship for the elite can become flashpoints in broader cultural and political debates. While the practical implications of the Clooneys' new French citizenship remain personal, the reaction from a figure like Trump ensures the story transcends mere celebrity gossip, entering the realm of symbolic political conflict.
As of the end of 2025, there was no immediate public response from George or Amal Clooney to Trump's comments. The episode closes a year marked by continued tension between the entertainment world's liberal elite and conservative political figures in the United States, setting a precedent for similar clashes as the 2026 political cycle begins to take shape.
