Back in 1947, Republican Senator Joe McCarthy stirred up what became known as the “Red Scare,” which prompted the formation of the Committee for the First Amendment, aimed at pushing back against the fear-mongering. One standout member was Academy Award winner Henry Fonda, who had just returned from his service in World War II.
Fast forward to today, and his daughter, Jane Fonda, is carrying that torch forward. As reported by The Associated Press, she expressed her fears in a recent letter: “I’m 87 years old. I’ve witnessed war, oppression, protests, and the backlash against them. I’ve been both celebrated and labeled as an enemy of the state. But this? This is the scariest time in my life. When I feel uneasy, I examine history, hoping for a manual with all the answers; it’s clear there’s none. The only solution that ever works is solidarity—coming together and standing up for one another.”
In true Trump fashion, the White House responded to Fonda by attacking her back. A spokesperson said, “Hanoi Jane can feel free to voice whatever misguided opinions she has. President Trump, who understands censorship, is a fierce champion of free speech, and the Democrats’ contrary claims are nothing short of laughable.”
Let’s not get sidetracked by the fact that Trump himself has never faced government censorship, or the ridiculousness of claiming he’s a freedom-loving president just weeks after his administration pressured a comedian off the air and suggested that TV shows shouldn’t critique him. Brass tactics, right?
But what really hits home is the fact that the Trump administration felt compelled to go after Jane Fonda in the first place.
One would think the focus should be on pressing governmental issues, but instead, for reasons unknown, Trump has been preoccupied with criticizing celebrities lately. Fonda isn’t the only one—prior to her, some celebrities in the line of fire were Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez. And before Gomez, it was Tom Hanks.
Even as he was involved in critical discussions in the Middle East, Trump found time to mock Taylor Swift, saying she faded in popularity completely because of his opinions. It’s not just limited to them either; the administration has also gone after “South Park” and taken swipes at late-night comedy shows as Trump continues to feel under pressure.
It’s somewhat ironic: rather than coming across as a formidable leader, these back-and-forth spats against celebrities make the White House look small and trivial. Despite Republican efforts to portray Trump as a towering figure, we are merely witnessing a man flailing about, quarreling with actors, animation, and late-night routines.
This article was initially published on MSNBC.com.
