Josh Brolin Reflects on His Former Friendship with President Trump
Actor Josh Brolin is reflecting on his past friendship with former President Donald Trump. The 57-year-old “Wake Up Dead Man” star spoke with The Independent about their relationship, which originated years before Trump entered the White House.
Friendship Timeline and Insights
- Initial Encounter: Brolin and Trump met in 2010 during filming for “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.”
- Filming Anecdote: Trump filmed a scene for the movie that ultimately did not make the final cut.
- First Impressions: At the time, Trump was a businessman, and Brolin described him as a different person than the political figure he became.
Brolin mentioned that he is not intimidated by Trump’s ambitions, suggesting that concerns about Trump seeking a third presidential term are unfounded due to the restrictions of the 22nd Amendment. Brolin stated, “I’m not scared of Trump, because even though he says he’s staying forever, it’s just not going to happen.”
Marketing Genius or Symbol of Validation?
The actor acknowledged Trump’s marketing abilities, commenting, “There is no greater genius than [Trump] in marketing.” Brolin believes that many supporters view Trump as a “mascot,” filling a void for validation in the general population.
Changing Perspectives
In a previous interview on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” Brolin revealed that he and Trump shared a dinner with notable figures, including filmmaker Oliver Stone and Shia LaBeouf, in 2010. Trump’s later tweets praised Brolin, stating he was a “friend of mine” and lauding his role in “Men in Black 3.”
- 2016 Remarks: Brolin praised Trump on “The Late Show,” emphasizing his business acumen.
- Current Stance: Brolin stated in 2024 that he and Trump are “no longer” friends. He expressed discomfort with Trump’s representation of American values, stating, “I refuse to believe that Donald Trump is our core version of American masculinity.”
Final Reflections
As Josh Brolin prepares for his role in “Wake Up Dead Man,” the third installment of the “Knives Out” series, he continues to navigate the complex landscape of his former relationship with Trump. The actor’s insights reveal a transformation in both his perspectives and the public’s perception of the once-celebrated friendship.
