George Clooney has responded sharply to US President Donald Trump after Trump mocked France's decision to grant the actor and his family French citizenship. Trump called Clooney and his wife Amal 'two of the worst political prognosticators of all time' on his Truth Social platform, adding that Clooney was 'just an average guy who complained, constantly, about common sense in politics.'
Clooney, 64, his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney, and their two children became French citizens earlier this month after living on a property in southern France for years. The actor has praised French privacy laws and the chance to raise his children away from Hollywood. In response to Trump, Clooney told the Hollywood Reporter: 'I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.'
The citizenship decision has also drawn criticism from within France. Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a junior interior minister, expressed concern over a 'double standard' given Clooney's poor French. However, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez and the foreign ministry defended the move, citing the civil code that allows naturalisation for those who contribute to France's influence and international economic relations. The foreign ministry noted the Clooneys had undergone a rigorous procedure, including security checks and interviews.
Under new immigration rules from 1 January, language requirements for citizenship will be tightened, requiring a certificate of French proficiency at a level sufficient for university entry. Clooney has admitted his French remains poor despite taking courses. His wife, a human rights lawyer, speaks fluent French. The family bought a former wine estate in Provence in 2021.
Approximately 48,800 people acquired French nationality by decree in 2024. Clooney is not the only celebrity attracted to French citizenship; director Jim Jarmusch has also sought it.
