The debate between Oscar-winning actor George Clooney and the White House has intensified after he sharply criticized President Donald Trump's statements regarding Iran, describing them as a "war crime."

“Some people say Donald Trump is good. But if someone says they want to destroy a civilization, that’s a war crime,” the actor declared, adding that political differences do not justify such rhetoric. On the other hand, the White House’s reaction was immediate and harsh. Communications director Stephen Chung, in a statement to The Independent, mocked Clooney by saying that “the only one who commits war crimes is George Clooney for his terrible movies and his poor acting.”

In a response to Deadline, Clooney stressed that the global situation requires seriousness, not personal insults. He referred to the legal definitions of war crimes under the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute, questioning the US administration's stance. The actor, a longtime supporter of the Democrats, has often been critical of Trump's policies. In 2025, he also drew attention when he publicly called on former President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race in an op-ed in The New York Times.

However, Clooney has admitted that before Trump's presidency, their relationship was more friendly. "I knew him very well ... He was a very funny guy. Well, he was. All that changed," he said in an interview with Variety. Clashes between Donald Trump and Hollywood figures are not new. Trump has often attacked Clooney over the years, calling him a "third-rate actor" and a "fake movie star." Tensions between the two figures do not seem to be easing, while political rhetoric and public reactions continue to escalate in the wake of important political developments in the US.