Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized actor George Clooney, calling him a “second-rate movie star” and a “failed political pundit.” Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump lashed out at both Clooney and the TV show 60 Minutes following the 63-year-old actor’s appearance on the program over the weekend. He accused the show of producing a “puff piece” on Clooney and mocked his political influence.

Trump also slammed Clooney for initially supporting Joe Biden’s election campaign but later withdrawing his support following a debate, suggesting that the actor shifted his backing to Vice President Kamala Harris under pressure from the Obama camp before realizing it was a misstep. Referring to 60 Minutes, Trump alleged that the program had previously manipulated interview content to benefit Harris before the election, calling it one of the “most embarrassing and dishonest events in broadcast history.” He further ridiculed Clooney, sarcastically stating that his press agent must be making a fortune.

During his 60 Minutes interview, Clooney, who was promoting his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck, spoke about the media’s role in holding power accountable. He emphasized that when other branches of government fail, journalism must step up, adding that both conservative and liberal governments historically resist press freedom.

Clooney also addressed his New York Times op-ed, in which he urged President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 Democratic nomination. He stated that he felt compelled to tell the truth after witnessing Biden at a fundraiser, expressing disappointment in his party’s reluctance to acknowledge concerns about the president. In response, Trump had previously dismissed Clooney as a “fake movie actor” who had never made a great film, insisting that he should stay out of politics and return to television, as movies “never really worked for him.”

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Screengrab/YouTube/60 Minutes, Instagram/President Donald J. Trump.