What Robert Redford Actually Said About Donald Trump
Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and activist, passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89.
Best known for his iconic roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men, Redford also left a mark as the founder of the Sundance Institute and a lifelong advocate for the environment, democracy, and the arts.
Throughout his career, Redford often used his platform to speak about social and political issues, and one of the topics he addressed publicly more than once was former President Donald Trump.
His comments showed a mixture of candor, concern, and an understanding of how disruptive figures can sometimes influence the political landscape.
Back in 2015, when Trump was running for president, Redford commented that Trump “had such a big foot in his mouth, it might be hard to get it out.”
Yet, he also admitted that Trump’s unfiltered style “shook things up” in a way that exposed weaknesses in the political system—something Redford thought was worth noticing.
However, as Trump’s presidency unfolded, Redford’s views became more sharply critical. In a widely discussed op-ed, he argued that Trump had “found every fault line in America and wrenched them wide open,” warning that the country risked losing its role as a global leader.
By 2020, Redford openly endorsed Joe Biden, saying that Biden embodied compassion, empathy, and the leadership needed to restore unity and dignity to American politics.
In later writings, Redford described Trump as a threat to democracy, criticizing attacks on the rule of law and the free press.
He expressed deep concern that the United States was becoming more divided than united, urging citizens to take responsibility for protecting democratic values at the ballot box.
NOW: “Robert Redford was great … He had a series of years … there was nobody better.”
President Trump reacts to the death of Hollywood legend Robert Redford, saying “there was a time he was the hottest.” pic.twitter.com/NKFq9x5e9X
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 16, 2025
Robert Redford’s words about Donald Trump reflected his lifelong commitment to civic engagement and his belief that leadership should be rooted in respect, honesty, and compassion.
Even in disagreement, his perspective remained thoughtful—balancing his acknowledgment of disruption with his clear call for unity and integrity in public life.
