Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman has ignited a firestorm with his recent comments comparing the United States under Donald Trump to Nazi Germany. The 88-year-old Hollywood legend made the explosive remarks during an appearance on the left-leaning television program MS NOW.
Freeman's Profane and Political Outburst
During the interview with host Lawrence O'Donnell, Freeman initially asked if he was permitted to use profanity before launching into a tirade. "Well, we have somebody sitting in the White House who is leading us down a sh*thole," Freeman declared with visible anger.
The veteran actor expressed bewilderment at Trump's political resilience despite legal troubles. "I can't personally understand how a convicted felon—convicted on 34 counts of wrongdoing—gets to be president. How do you do that?" Freeman questioned, referencing Trump's recent legal convictions.
Historical Parallels Drawn to 1930s Germany
When O'Donnell asked if America felt like it was moving backward, Freeman responded with a chilling historical comparison. "I'm constantly reminded of Germany in 1935," the actor stated unequivocally.
Freeman elaborated on the parallel, describing Nazi paramilitary forces and their actions. "What was happening there, the Brownshirts, those people marching through Berlin, rounding up people, putting them in boxcars, sending them off."
While not explicitly naming contemporary equivalents, Freeman's subsequent comments appeared to draw connections between Nazi concentration camps and current immigration detention facilities used in Trump's immigration enforcement policies.
A Call to Action Through Voting
The Shawshank Redemption star offered direct advice to younger generations concerned about America's direction. "I don't know what I would say to young people, other than if you are at all aware of where we're headed, where we are right now, and where we're headed," Freeman said.
He emphasized electoral participation as the solution. "And if you don't agree with it, there was one sure way to change the direction of our country: vote."
Promoting New Project Amid Political Commentary
Following his political remarks, Freeman shifted to discussing his new Amazon miniseries, The Gray House, which released fully on the same day as the interview. The Civil War-era drama represents Freeman's return to producing after years focusing primarily on acting.
"You teamed up with Kevin Costner producing this, and you got an incredible cast," O'Donnell noted during their conversation about the eight-part series.
Freeman expressed enthusiasm for the project, calling it "spellbinding" and confirming he had viewed portions of the completed work.
No Retirement in Sight for Hollywood Icon
The interview touched briefly on Freeman's continuing career momentum. Just months before this appearance, in November, Freeman starred in Now You See Me: Now You Don't—his first theatrical release in several years.
In a recent Guardian interview, Freeman dismissed retirement rumors. "Sometimes the idea of retirement would float past me," he admitted, "but as soon as my agent says there's a job or somebody wants you or they've made an offer, the whole thing just boils back."
The veteran actor confirmed his enduring passion for acting, though acknowledging some diminishment. "The appetite is still there. I will concede that it's dimmed a little. But not enough to make a serious difference," Freeman stated, suggesting audiences can expect more performances from the acclaimed actor.
