Richard Gere Calls Trump a 'Maniac,' Declares US in 'Darkest Period'

Renowned actor Richard Gere delivered a scathing critique of former U.S. President Donald Trump at a forum in Oslo, labeling him a "maniac" who is "destroying everything that is good." Gere expressed his view that the United States is navigating its "darkest period" in recent decades, questioning how such a leader could attain the presidency.

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We are living in the darkest period that we have ever known on this planet. Who would have imagined that the United States would take such a turn? Who would have imagined that a maniac would become president of the United States?

Speaking at the Oslo Freedom Forum, Gere lamented the direction of the United States, particularly following Trump's return to the White House for a second term. He argued that while the U.S. was never perfect, it historically strived towards an ideal and possessed a capacity for self-correction. However, Gere asserted that Trump has systematically dismantled positive aspects of the U.S. government and its people since taking office.

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The United States was never a perfect place, but it had a perfect ideal to strive for and was capable of self-correction. However, from day one, this guy [Trump] dismantled almost everything that was good in the United States government and the American people.

To illustrate the fragility of societal structures, Gere drew a parallel to his observations in the Dachau concentration camp during the 1930s. He recalled witnessing the rapid transformation of German society and government, where ordinary individuals became "monsters." This historical context served as a stark warning about how quickly a world can be "stolen" and the swift emergence of "dictatorships of monsters."

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Look how quickly our world can be stolen from us? See the rapid appearance of what I call 'dictatorships of monsters.'

Gere acknowledged his own role, stating that while he did not vote for Trump, he felt insufficient effort was made to persuade others against electing him. He concluded that "we all must take responsibility for what has happened," emphasizing a shared accountability for the political climate. This is not the first time Gere has publicly criticized Trump; he previously called him a "bully" in February 2025, warning that the world was in danger due to his decisions.

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Of course, I did not vote for this individual, but I did not do enough to convince those around me, close or not, that it was madness to choose this person as president of the United States. We all must take responsibility for what has happened.