George Clooney reportedly is “infuriated” with ex-President Barack Obama, feeling misled during the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. This recent development has caused a significant rift in a close relationship that has spanned almost two decades.
According to insiders familiar with the matter, Clooney is highly perturbed with Obama for allegedly pushing him to write an opinion piece, published in The New York Times in July 2024, which scrutinized President Joe Biden’s suitability for office. While Clooney’s op-ed lauded Biden’s long public service, it also urged the Democratic party to nominate a younger, more dynamic candidate for the upcoming election. The op-ed, meant to spur productive discourse, drew criticism from Democratic leaders and progressive activists, who perceived it as detrimental to party unity during a crucial election season.
A source close to the situation disclosed to a media outlet that Clooney is furious with Obama for disappearing after the election disaster and leaving him to handle the backlash alone with his Hollywood colleagues.
Clooney and Obama’s friendship traces back to 2006 at an event focused on the Darfur crisis. Over the years, Clooney became a significant supporter of Obama’s presidential bids, hosting fundraisers and even enjoying vacations together.
This controversy has triggered wider discussions about the Democratic Party’s internal dynamics, especially the challenges facing the party in transitioning from a leader like Biden, whose age and health are contentious issues. Clooney’s op-ed posed pertinent questions about Democratic leadership’s future, but critics argue it exacerbated the existing divisions within the party.
Adding to the drama, ex-President Donald Trump wasted no time ridiculing Clooney on his social media platform, Truth Social, after the op-ed publication. He dismissed Clooney as a “fake movie actor” trying to “stay relevant.” In response, Clooney, known for his sharp retorts, hit back on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” stating he would exit politics if Trump agreed to do the same.
These developments have reportedly led Clooney to reassess his political activism. Although he has been a longtime advocate for Democratic causes, insiders suggest this experience has dampened his enthusiasm for participating in politically sensitive campaigns.
Some Democratic strategists view this fallout as a reflection of the party’s larger struggle to maintain unity and manage high-profile supporters effectively. Obama has yet to comment, leaving questions about his supposed role in the op-ed controversy unanswered. Meanwhile, party insiders grapple with navigating a crucial stage in their leadership transition after the 2024 election.
Clooney, a longtime advocate for social justice and humanitarian issues, must now decide how—or whether—to continue participating in political discussions. As the Democratic Party seeks to rebuild and unify moving forward, the effects of this fallout could persist beyond the 2024 election.
