The White House has fired back at actor George Clooney after he criticised US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on Iran, describing it as a “war crime”.
The controversy followed a post by Trump on his Truth Social platform early Tuesday, warning that “a whole civilisation will die” if the United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement by that evening.
Later that day, the two countries agreed to a two-week ceasefire, although foreign policy analysts have questioned the clarity and terms of the arrangement.
Clooney, a long-time critic of Trump and the Republican Party, addressed the issue during an event in Italy attended by around 3,000 high school students. The gathering was organised by the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
George Clooney Criticises Trump’s Iran Rhetoric At Italy Event
“Some say Donald Trump is fine. But if anyone says he wants to end a civilisation, that’s a war crime,” Clooney said, according to Variety. “You can still support the conservative point of view, but there must be a line of decency, and we must not cross it.”
His comments quickly drew a response from the White House. Communications Director Steven Cheung took aim at the actor on X, dismissing Clooney’s remarks in blunt terms.
“The only person committing war crimes is George Clooney for his awful movies and terrible acting ability,” Cheung wrote in response to the report.
White House Responds As Clooney Doubles Down On Remarks
Clooney later expanded on his position in a statement to Deadline, reiterating his concerns about global tensions and the consequences of political rhetoric.
“Families are losing their loved ones. Children have been incinerated. The world’s economy is on a knife’s edge,” he said. “This is a time for vigorous debate at the highest levels. Not for infantile name calling. I’ll start. A war crime is alleged ‘when there is intent to physically destroy a nation,’ as defined by the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute.”
He ended with a touch of humour, referencing criticism of his acting career: “What is the administration’s defence? [besides calling me a failed actor which I happily agree with having starred in ‘Batman and Robin’?]”
Longstanding Political Feud Between Trump And Clooney
Clooney’s political views have frequently placed him at odds with Trump. The actor and his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, were granted French citizenship last year, prompting criticism from the former president.
Trump previously described the couple as “two of the worst political prognosticators of all time” and took aim at Clooney’s film career in posts on Truth Social.
Despite the public clashes, Clooney has said the two were once on friendly terms before Trump entered politics.
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“I knew him very well,” Clooney told Variety in an earlier interview. “He used to call me a lot, and he tried to help me get into a hospital once to see a back surgeon. I’d see him out at clubs and at restaurants. He’s a big goofball. Well, he was. That all changed.”
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