Richard Gere Slams Trump at Oslo Forum, Says America Has Entered a Dark Period

Far-left actor Richard Gere delivered a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump during an appearance at the Oslo Freedom Forum, accusing the president of damaging institutions he believes have long defined the United States and comparing current political developments to troubling moments in history.
Speaking during an interview at the event on June 2, the veteran actor expressed alarm over the direction of the country and argued that America is experiencing one of the most difficult periods he has witnessed in his lifetime.
“We’re living in the darkest moment that I’ve experienced on this planet,” Gere said. “Who ever thought America could turn like this? Whoever thought that a maniac like this would be the president of the United States?”
The remarks drew applause from members of the audience, but Gere quickly signaled for them to stop. He suggested that the issues being discussed were too serious to be treated as a moment for celebration.
Continuing his criticism, Gere argued that Trump had undermined institutions and values that he believes represented some of the best aspects of American society.
“Dismantle all the good things,” Gere said. “America’s never been a perfect place, but it has a perfect ideal that it’s moving towards and always has. And it’s been self-corrective.”
The actor went on to claim that the president began weakening those institutions immediately upon taking office.
“The first day, this guy dismantled almost everything that was good about the U.S. government and the U.S. people,” Gere said. “How is this possible? Because we went to sleep.”
During the discussion, Gere also reflected on a visit to the former Dachau concentration camp in Germany. He said exhibits there detailing the transformation of German society during the 1930s left a lasting impression on him and influenced the way he views current events in the United States.
According to Gere, the museum’s presentation showed how rapidly political and social institutions changed during that period.
“They show the process since the 1930s, the transformation of German society and German government and how quickly it happened there,” he said. “Good people turned into monsters.”
Gere added that he believed he could see a similar process unfolding in America.
“And I saw this process in the U.S.,” he said.
The comments are the latest in a series of public criticisms the actor has directed at Trump over the years. Gere has repeatedly voiced opposition to the president and has used public appearances to express concern about the nation’s political climate.
Last year, while attending an awards event in Spain, Gere referred to Trump as a “bully” and a “thug.” During those remarks, he also described the United States as being in what he viewed as a “very dark place.”
His criticism has remained consistent since then. Speaking again last week, Gere reiterated that he did not support Trump politically.
The far-left actor said he “of course” did not vote for Trump. At the same time, he suggested that he bears some responsibility for not doing more to prevent Trump’s return to the White House.