Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman expressed grave concern over the direction of the United States under President Donald Trump during an interview on MS NOW on Thursday. In a blunt and candid exchange, Freeman warned that Trump’s leadership is pushing the nation into a dire situation, invoking stark comparisons to Germany in 1935 and warning of alarming parallels to historical atrocities.
Freeman’s Stern Criticism of Trump’s Presidency
During the conversation with host Lawrence O’Donnell, the 88-year-old actor did not hold back his frustration. After asking if he could use profanity, Freeman described the country’s trajectory under Trump as heading toward a “sh*thole.” He openly questioned how someone with a criminal past could become president, highlighting what he sees as a troubling situation.
Freeman said,
“Well, we have somebody sitting in the White House [who] is leading us down a sh*thole.”
He further questioned,
“I can’t personally understand how a convicted felon convicted, 34, felon- felonious – is that a word? – counts of wrongdoing gets to be president. How do you do that?”
Historical Comparisons and Warnings to Younger Generations
Freeman reflected on history to emphasize his concerns. Drawing from the past to make sense of the present, he directly referenced the rise of Nazi Germany, particularly the rise of the Brownshirts and their violent oppression in Berlin. The actor said,
“I’m constantly reminded of Germany in 1935,”
before describing how people were rounded up and sent away in boxcars during that era.
His analogy extended to current US immigration policies, implying that the immigration detention centers under Trump resemble chilling aspects of concentration camps. He cautioned young people to recognize the country’s course and urged them to take action by voting if they disagree with the prevailing direction.
“I don’t know what I would say to young people, other than, if you are at all aware of where we’re headed, where we are right now and where we’re headed,”
Freeman said.
“And if you don’t agree with it, there was one sure way to change the direction of our country: vote.”
Discussion of New Civil War Miniseries and Ongoing Career
In addition to his political commentary, Freeman discussed his role as a producer on the new Amazon miniseries, The Gray House, set during the Civil War. The eight-part drama was released in full the same day as the interview. Reflecting on his collaboration with Kevin Costner and the strong cast, Freeman described the series as “spellbinding.”
O’Donnell praised the project, saying,
“You teamed up with Kevin Costner producing this, and you got an incredible cast. Have you seen any part of it yet?”
Freeman responded affirmatively and expressed admiration for the work.
Freeman also touched on his recent acting work, mentioning his return to the big screen in November with Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, dispelling rumors about his retirement. He told The Guardian that although retirement sometimes crosses his mind, his enthusiasm for acting remains. He said,
“Sometimes the idea of retirement would float past me but, as soon as my agent says there’s a job or somebody wants you or they’ve made an offer, the whole thing just boils back into where it was yesterday.”
He added,
“How much you’re going to pay, where we’re gonna be? The appetite is still there. I will concede that it’s dimmed a little. But not enough to make a serious difference.”
Significance of Freeman’s Remarks Amid Political Climate
Freeman’s candid comparison between Trump’s presidency and the rise of Nazi Germany underscores deep unease among some prominent cultural figures regarding the country’s leadership. His call to younger generations to vote reflects a sense of urgency about the nation’s direction amid policies that many view as divisive and repressive, particularly concerning immigration enforcement. Coming from a respected figure like Freeman, known for both his artistry and thoughtful commentary, these remarks contribute to ongoing debates about political leadership and democratic engagement in the US. The release of his new series on a historical conflict adds another dimension to his voice on the importance of understanding America’s past to navigate its present challenges.
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