George Clooney has hit back at US President Donald Trump after Trump mocked the actor and his family for obtaining French citizenship. Trump took to Truth Social to call Clooney and his wife Amal 'two of the worst political prognosticators of all time' and dismissed Clooney's film career as 'totally mediocre'.
Clooney, a vocal Democrat supporter and critic of Trump, responded to the Hollywood Reporter: 'I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.' The 64-year-old Oscar winner, his wife and their two children became French citizens earlier this month after living in southern France for years.
The Clooneys were granted citizenship under a civil code provision allowing naturalisation for those who contribute through distinguished service to France's influence and prosperity. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez defended the decision, saying the country was 'very happy' to have them. The foreign ministry confirmed the process included security checks and interviews.
However, the move drew criticism from junior interior minister Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, who said she understood feelings of a double standard, especially as Clooney has admitted his French remains poor. New immigration rules from 1 January will require applicants to pass a language test equivalent to university entry level and a civic knowledge exam.
Clooney bought a former wine estate near Brignoles in 2021, praising French privacy laws that protect his family from media intrusion. His wife Amal, a human rights lawyer, speaks fluent French. Approximately 48,800 people acquired French nationality by decree in 2024.
