George Clooney offered a candid critique of Donald Trump just days prior to a public rekindling of their rivalry.

At 64, George Clooney, an Oscar-winning actor, found himself in the crosshairs of a New Year’s Eve tirade from 79-year-old Donald Trump. This followed the announcement that Clooney, along with his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins, had officially become French citizens.

The Clooneys, who bought a charming farm in France back in 2021, have expressed that they feel the country provides a much healthier environment to raise their children. They have highlighted that France offers an escape from the relentless spotlight of Hollywood, which Clooney has mentioned he hopes will protect his children from the intense scrutiny surrounding celebrity families.

The French interior ministry confirmed that the family underwent a rigorous naturalization process, complete with interviews and security checks, although detailed specifics weren’t disclosed.

Trump took to Truth Social, clearly disgruntled by the Clooneys’ decision, to mock Clooney’s political stances, his career in film, and to criticize France’s immigration policies.

Furthermore, Trump touched upon Clooney’s past political activities, including fundraising and endorsements, suggesting they were inadequately thought out and self-serving.

In response, Clooney gave a measured statement to Deadline. He acknowledged Trump’s slogan and pointedly remarked that making America truly great would begin come November, a nod to the approaching midterm elections.

These events came on the heels of a Variety interview, released on December 30, in which Clooney reflected on once amicable relations with Trump. He recounted occasions spent with Trump many years ago and humorously described him as a “goofball.” However, he emphasized that both their relationship and Trump’s demeanor have since changed.

Moreover, Clooney was vocal about his disapproval of actions by networks, such as ABC and CBS, that resulted in settling defamation suits initiated by Trump. He argued that legally contesting these cases might have served to protect the integrity of American media and political landscape.

No additional comments have been obtained from Clooney’s or the networks’ representatives thus far.