George Clooney has hit back at US President Donald Trump after Trump mocked the actor and his family for obtaining French citizenship. Trump called the Clooneys 'two of the worst political prognosticators of all time' on Truth Social, adding that Clooney 'wasn't a movie star at all, just an average guy who complained constantly about common sense in politics.'
In response, Clooney told the Hollywood Reporter: 'I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We'll start in November,' a reference to the upcoming US midterm elections. The 64-year-old Oscar winner, his wife Amal, and their two children became French citizens earlier this month after living in southern France for years.
Clooney has praised French privacy laws for protecting his family from media intrusion and allowing him to raise his children outside Hollywood. He bought a former wine estate near Brignoles in 2021, saying it is where his family is 'happiest'.
The French interior and foreign ministries defended the decision, citing a law that allows naturalisation for those who contribute to France's influence through distinguished service. The foreign ministry noted the Clooneys underwent rigorous security checks and interviews. However, a junior interior minister criticised the move, saying it risked a 'double standard' given Clooney's poor French.
Under new immigration rules from 1 January, language requirements for citizenship will be toughened, requiring a certificate of French proficiency equivalent to university entry level. Clooney admitted his French remains poor despite 400 days of courses.
