Los Angeles, California — George Clooney has publicly responded to criticism from former President Donald Trump regarding his recent acquisition of French citizenship. Clooney, along with his wife Amal and their children, secured their French nationality earlier this month after years of residing in the southern region of France.

The Oscar-winning actor praised France’s privacy laws, which he believes offer his family protection from the relentless glare of international media. He expressed contentment with raising his children away from the Hollywood spotlight, emphasizing their quality of life in France.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump disparaged Clooney, labeled him a poor political forecaster, and questioned his connection to the film industry. He alluded to France’s challenges with crime and immigration, suggesting that Clooney’s decision to become a citizen indicated a rejection of American values.

Clooney responded thoughtfully to Trump’s remarks, asserting support for positive change in America. “I agree with the need to make America better. We’ll start in November,” he stated, referencing the upcoming midterm elections, indicating his desire for political engagement.

The announcement of Clooney’s citizenship comes amidst impending changes to France’s immigration policies, which will impose stricter language requirements on new applicants starting January 1. A junior minister from President Emmanuel Macron’s administration raised concerns over perceived favoritism in granting citizenship, as Clooney’s proficiency in French has not reached an advanced level.

However, French officials defended the Clooneys’ naturalization. The interior minister expressed optimism about their contributions to the nation’s cultural and international standing, emphasizing that Clooney and his wife add value to France through their respective careers. Amal Clooney, a prominent human rights attorney, is fluent in French and actively collaborates with various institutions in the country.

According to French interior ministry data, approximately 48,800 individuals received nationality through formal decree in 2024. Clooney is not the only Hollywood figure pursuing French citizenship. Director Jim Jarmusch recently announced his own application, citing a desire for an escape from the U.S.

As the debate around immigration and citizenship continues, Clooney’s situation highlights the complexities surrounding nationality and the differing perceptions of public figures in both their personal and professional lives. The Clooney family’s commitment to their new home may add an intriguing chapter to ongoing discussions about cultural identity and the meaning of citizenship in today’s world.