Listen To Story Above

Former President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on actor George Clooney following the latter’s appearance on “60 Minutes,” describing the interview as a “puff piece” and dismissing Clooney as a “second-rate movie star.”

Clooney, 63, appeared on the program to discuss his upcoming Broadway debut portraying journalist Edward R. Murrow in “Good Night and Good Luck,” while also addressing his recent withdrawal of support for President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump, 78, questioned the program’s decision to feature Clooney’s “60 Minutes” interview, writing: “Why would the now highly-discredited 60 Minutes be doing a total ‘puff piece’ on George Clooney, a second-rate movie ‘star’ and failed political pundit. He fought hard for Sleepy Joe’s election, and then, right after the Debate, dumped him like a dog. Later, I assume under orders from the Obama camp, pushed all out for ‘Kamala,’ only to soon realize that this was not going to work out too well.”

Trump continued his criticism, stating: “60 Minutes even fraudulently inserted Fake answers into her disastrous interview, aired just before Election Day, in one of the most embarrassing and dishonest events in broadcast history…And now George Clooney again? His press agent should be making a fortune!!!”

During the interview, Clooney drew parallels between his theatrical role and contemporary political issues, referencing Trump’s $16 million settlement with ABC News and ongoing $20 billion lawsuit with CBS. The actor emphasized the crucial role of journalism, stating: “When the other three estates fail, when the judiciary and the executive and the legislative branches fail us, the fourth estate has to succeed.”

Addressing press freedom, Clooney noted: “Governments don’t like the freedom of the press. They never have. And that goes for whether you are a conservative or a liberal or whatever side you’re on. They don’t like the press.”

When questioned about his New York Times op-ed urging Biden to end his re-election campaign, Clooney, citing his upbringing as a journalist’s son, explained: “Yeah, I’ll make it kinda easy. I was raised to tell the truth. I had seen the president up close for this fundraiser, and I was surprised. And so I feel as if there was a lot of profiles in cowardice in my party through all of that.”

The lifelong Democrat maintained his personal respect for Biden while explaining his decision to withdraw support: “I’ve always liked Joe Biden and I like him still.”

Trump had previously responded to Clooney’s essay by questioning: “What does Clooney know about anything? Clooney should get out of politics and go back to television. Movies never really worked for him!!!”