Actress Jane Fonda, 88, voiced strong criticism regarding the current state of the United States under the current president during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Wednesday night.
Concerns Over Rights and Governance
Fonda discussed what she perceives as consequences of the current administration’s policies. When asked by Colbert about protecting First Amendment rights, Fonda stated, “If the government doesn’t attend to the needs of its people, something is wrong, isn’t it? We are seeing things that have never happened before. This isn’t like the 40s and 50s. Authoritarianism has infiltrated every corner of our government.”
Fonda further alleged, “They are kidnapping people. They are deporting American citizens illegally.” She referenced the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month, following an incident where Good’s vehicle blocked a street during an active operation. According to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, the agent was compelled to fire because Good had engaged in acts of domestic terrorism. This incident has reportedly sparked widespread protests across the country.
Call for Unity and Empathy
Fonda described witnessing instances of violence, stating, “In Minneapolis, where Mrs. Good was shot, they are shooting people. They are blinding people.” She emphasized that the issues transcend political divides, asserting, “It’s not a matter of right or left. I don’t care what party you belong to. It’s a matter of right or wrong.”
Fonda believes boundaries are being crossed and called for unity, stating, “We need to stand together in solidarity to protect our rights, and we don’t have to be alone.” She echoed sentiments of past activism, urging citizens to remember the sacrifices made for current freedoms.
Fonda recently alluded to the current president at the 2025 SAG-Aftra Awards (now the Actor Awards), referencing Sebastian Stan, who portrayed the president in The Apprentice. She stated, “Even if you hate your character’s behavior, you have to understand and empathize with the traumatized person you are playing.”
She continued, “Empathy is not being weak or ‘woke.’ And, by the way, this simply means you care about others.” Fonda expressed concern for those affected by current events, advocating for empathy and inclusivity, stating, “We are going to need a big tent to successfully resist what is coming our way.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jane Fonda say about the current government?
Jane Fonda stated that authoritarianism has infiltrated every corner of the current government and alleged instances of kidnapping and the illegal deportation of American citizens.
What incident in Minneapolis did Fonda reference?
Fonda referenced the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, following an incident where Good’s vehicle blocked a street during an active operation. The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, stated the agent fired because Good engaged in domestic terrorism.
What did Fonda say about the need for unity?
Fonda explained that people need to unite “in solidarity” to protect their rights and added that “we don’t have to be alone.”
What role do you believe empathy plays in navigating periods of political and social tension?
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