At the Sundance Film Festival, Ethan Hawke openly condemned the current political atmosphere in the United States, linking his concerns to recent fatal incidents involving ICE agents in Minneapolis. Hawke spoke out just days after Alex Pretti, a 38-year-old intensive care nurse, was killed by ICE in the city, an event that followed the January 7th death of Reneé Good under similar circumstances.
In the context of these events, Hawke delivered strong criticism of the administration under former President Donald Trump while speaking to Variety on the red carpet. He expressed that the political leadership is exposing troubling truths about power in America.
Hawke Highlights Fears Over Artistic Freedom and Political Climate
Reflecting on his experience, Hawke acknowledged a newfound fear in expressing his opinions publicly, stating,
“I never felt scared about what I was going to say until the last couple of years,”
the Oscar-nominated actor admitted. This apprehension marks a significant change for Hawke, who emphasized the privilege of being an artist in a free society, adding,
“There’s a kind of fear in the air that I’ve never felt before, and it’s not America.”
He noted that he no longer feels the freedom he once took for granted and believes this situation must be reversed.
Hawke further suggested that the Trump administration might be unintentionally educating Americans about the nature of oligarchy. He explained,
“It’s entirely possible that Trump is doing us a great favor by teaching America what oligarchy means,”
a concept he says many young people, including himself, had not fully understood before.
Other Public Figures Join Critique of ICE and Government Actions
At Sundance, actress Natalie Portman also condemned ICE and the government’s approach to law enforcement, particularly in Minneapolis. She described the recent actions as “absolutely horrific” and referred to the tactics used as
“the worst of the worst of humanity.”
Portman linked the situation to President Trump’s administration and local officials, including Kristi Noem.
Meanwhile, singer Billie Eilish targeted fellow entertainers for their silence on the issue, urging them on social media to take a stand against ICE. She posted,
“Hey my fellow celebrities, you gonna speak up? Or,”
challenging peers to use their platforms to address the situation.
Hawke’s Role in the Oscars and Ongoing Social Commentary
Ethan Hawke’s outspoken stance comes amid his nomination for the upcoming Oscars, where he is recognized in the Best Actor category for his role in Blue Moon. The ceremony, scheduled for March 15th, will see him competing against Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Wagner Moura, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Despite the attention on his acting career, Hawke continues to express frustration about the country‘s direction, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the loss of freedoms, especially for artists trying to voice their thoughts without fear of repercussions.
The Broader Implications of Hawke’s Political Statements
The comments made by Ethan Hawke and other public figures underscore rising concerns about civil liberties and government accountability in the United States. Their voices reflect a deep tension and disappointment felt by many regarding recent enforcement practices and political leadership. As the nation heads into significant political and cultural events like the Oscars, these statements amplify a call for increased awareness and societal change related to freedom of expression and justice.
#EthanHawke says he’s never felt afraid to speak his mind “until the last couple of years.”
“There’s a fear in the air that I’ve never felt before — and it’s not America,” Hawke told Variety on Monday night at Sundance. “To be an artist in a free country is a privilege. I don’t… pic.twitter.com/1fU0q2ekTI
— Variety (@Variety) January 27, 2026
