George Clooney has fired back at Donald Trump after the President of the United States criticised him for getting French citizenship.
The 64-year-old Hollywood star and his wife Amal, 47, have become French citizens as they join the growing list of A-listers ditching the US.
AFP revealed that soon after Christmas, the couple – who have been married since 2014 and in 2021 purchased a stunning provade abode in Provence, France – and their eight-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, made it official.
After the news, Trump took to his Truth Social page on New Year’s Eve and ranted: ‘Good News! 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.’
He criticised Clooney for his support of Kamala Harris, before taking aim at his film career.
Trump continued: ‘Clooney got more publicity for politics than he did for his very few, and totally mediocre, movies. He wasn’t a movie star at all, he was just an average guy who complained, constantly, about common sense in politics.
‘MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!’
In response, George told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement: ‘I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.’
The Jay Kelly actor has repeatedly spoken about his love of France and his decision with his wife to relocate after finding it was a better place to raise their children.
‘Yeah, we’re very lucky. … A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid, I hated the whole idea of it. But now, for them, it’s like — they’re not on their iPads, you know?’ he told Esquire.
‘They have a much better life. I was worried about raising our kids in LA., in the culture of Hollywood. I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life. France—they kind of don’t give a shit about fame. I don’t want them to be walking around worried about paparazzi. I don’t want them being compared to somebody else’s famous kids.’
The actor also revealed that he was studying French during an interview for RTL radio: ‘I love the French culture, your language, even if I’m still bad at it after 400 days of courses.’
The couple reportedly live near Brignoles, France but also owns properties in Los Angeles, South Oxfordshire, England, Lake Como, Italy, and in Los Cabos, Mexico.
US stars who moved to France
Other American A-listers have also made the move from the US to France.
Johnny Depp moved to France with Vanessa Paradis in 1998, where he raised his children, Lily Rose and Jack, away from the spotlight.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt spent extended periods in his property in Miraval in the South of France, with their six children, when they were still married.
Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul and his family moved from Los Angeles to Paris this year, suggesting he wanted a change of scenery to raise his children.
All the stars who have quit the US
A lot of American celebrities have left the US and moved abroad in recent years, with some citing politics as the motivating factor.
Former chat show host Ellen DeGeneres, 67, and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, moved to the Cotswolds in November 2024 because of President Donald Trump.
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell, 63, relocated to Ireland earlier this year with her son, stating she’d consider returning when it was ‘safe for all citizens to have equal rights in America’.
Succession star Fisher Stevens has also announced his move earlier this year.
Lily Collins made the move to Copenhagen in 2023, according to Vogue, where said life is ‘so calm and bright’.
Eva Longoria has been splitting time between Spain and Mexico for work purposes, specifying it’s not because of the election.
Pamela Anderson moved back to Vancouver Island in Canada 2020 where she was born and raised.
Amber Heard relocated to Madrid, Spain, shortly after her defamation trial with Depp. She was previously seen saying she ‘loves’ the country.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
