Renowned actor George Clooney is said to be irate with former President Barack Obama, feeling as though he was used in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. This is reportedly causing a significant rift in their relationship, which has lasted nearly two decades.
Individuals close to the matter share that Clooney harbors strong resentment towards Obama, who he believes persuaded him to author a high-profile opinion article that questioned President Joe Biden’s suitability for office. In the July 2024 op-ed, published in The New York Times, Clooney did not shy away from praising Biden’s long career in public service but suggested the Democratic Party should be spearheaded by a younger, more dynamic nominee in the upcoming election. The article, meant to initiate constructive dialogue, caused an uproar amongst Democratic leaders and progressive activists who perceived it as an attack on party unity during a significant electoral period.
An insider, speaking to the media, revealed, “George is furious with Obama for disappearing after the election disaster and leaving him to deal with the fallout of the plan amongst his Hollywood friends.”
The rapport between Clooney and Obama originated in 2006 at an event focused on the Darfur crisis. Over the years, Clooney became a staunch supporter of Obama’s presidential campaigns, hosting fundraisers and spending vacations together. But recent political maneuvers have reportedly led Clooney to feel deceived by Obama.
The controversy has triggered larger discussions about the internal dynamics of the Democratic Party, particularly the challenges of transitioning from a president like Biden, whose age and health have been contentious. Clooney’s op-ed raised critical questions about the future of Democratic leadership, but critics argue it exacerbated divisions within an already fragmented party.
Adding fuel to the fire, Donald Trump was quick to ridicule Clooney on his social media platform, Truth Social, labeling him as a “fake movie actor” and accusing him of trying to “stay relevant.” Clooney, known for his quick wit, retaliated during a “Jimmy Kimmel Live” appearance, stating he would quit politics entirely if Trump agreed to do the same.
Following these events, Clooney is said to be reevaluating his role in political activism. Despite being an outspoken supporter of Democratic causes for many years, insiders say this experience has diminished his enthusiasm for direct participation in politically sensitive campaigns.
Some Democratic strategists view this fallout as indicative of the party’s larger struggles to maintain unity and effectively manage high-profile backers. Obama has yet to comment, leaving questions surrounding his alleged involvement in the op-ed controversy unanswered. Meanwhile, insiders within the party grapple with navigating a critical transition in leadership following the 2024 election.
Clooney, who has consistently used his platform to champion social justice and humanitarian causes, now faces the dilemma of how — or if — to stay engaged in political dialogue. As the Democratic Party focuses on rebuilding and unifying for the future, the impact of this fallout could continue to reverberate beyond the 2024 election.