Jane Fonda Issues Dire Warning About US Rights Under Trump Administration
Legendary actor and lifelong activist Jane Fonda has delivered a stark and urgent warning about the current state of American democracy under President Donald Trump. The 88-year-old icon appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week, offering pointed commentary that has resonated across political divides.
"Things That Have Never Happened Before"
During her appearance, Fonda expressed deep concern about what she described as unprecedented developments in American governance. "We're seeing things happen that have never happened before," she told Colbert. "This isn't like it was in the 40s and 50s. Authoritarianism has made its way into every single nook and cranny of our government."
The veteran actor, famous for roles in 9 to 5 and decades of political activism, painted a troubling picture of current policies. She specifically referenced what she called the kidnapping and legal deportation of American citizens, though she did not provide specific examples of these alleged actions.
Reference to Minneapolis Shooting Incident
Fonda pointed to the recent fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis as evidence of concerning trends. The incident occurred when Good's vehicle blocked a street during an active ICE operation, leading to an agent opening fire. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has claimed officers were forced to fire because Good had "engaged in domestic terrorism."
"Minneapolis, where they shot Ms. Good—they are shooting people. They are blinding people," Fonda continued. "All kinds of really, really bad things are happening. And it's not a question of right or left. I don't care what party you belong to. It's a question of right or wrong."
Call for Community and Solidarity
The central theme of Fonda's message was the urgent need for Americans to unite in defense of their constitutional rights. "I think lines are being crossed. And it's enough. We've had enough," she declared. "Our loved ones fought and many died for these freedoms. We can't allow them to be taken away from us, because if we let them go, they won't be there later when we need them back."
Fonda emphasized that protection of First Amendment rights requires collective action. "We have to not be alone," she urged, calling for people to band together "in solidarity" to protect their fundamental liberties.
Continuation of Lifetime of Activism
This latest intervention continues Fonda's long history of political engagement. From her protests against the Vietnam War to her participation in the Civil Rights Movement, the actor has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice causes.
Her comments on Colbert's show echo similar themes she expressed at the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Awards, now rebranded as The Actor Awards. During her acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement award, Fonda delivered what many interpreted as a veiled critique of Trump without mentioning him by name.
"Though you may hate the behavior of your character, you have to understand and empathize with the traumatized person you're playing," she told the audience, while shouting out Sebastian Stan who played Trump in The Apprentice.
She added: "Empathy is not weak or 'woke.' And, by the way, 'woke' just means you give a damn about other people."
Warning of What's to Come
Fonda concluded with a sobering assessment of the challenges ahead. "A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way," she warned. "And even if they are of different persuasion we need to call upon our empathy and listen with our hearts and welcome them into our tent. Because we are going to need a big tent to resist successfully what is coming at us."
Her final words carried particular weight: "We are in our documentary moment. We mustn't for a moment kid ourselves about what is happening...We must not isolate, we must stay in community, we must help the vulnerable."
As political tensions continue to simmer in the United States, Fonda's warning serves as both a critique of current policies and a call to action for Americans concerned about the preservation of their constitutional rights.
