In a candid new interview, actor Josh Brolin has opened up about his complex relationship with former President Donald Trump, offering a unique perspective that blends personal history with political observation.
A Different Guy: Brolin's Past Friendship with Trump
The "Dune" star revealed to The Independent in an interview published on Saturday that he first befriended the future president while working on Oliver Stone's 2010 film, "Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps." Brolin was careful to distinguish the man he knew then from the political figure of today. "Having been a friend of Trump before he was president, I know a different guy," the actor stated, emphasizing that he no longer recognizes much of his old acquaintance.
The Marketing Genius and the Public's Need for Validation
Despite their political differences, which Brolin previously outlined in an October 2020 Instagram post where he identified as a "very conservative Democrat," he did not hold back his assessment of Trump's core skill. "There is no greater genius than him in marketing," Brolin asserted. He elaborated that Trump's prowess lies in his ability to connect with a general population seeking validation. "He takes the weakness of the general population and fills it," Brolin explained, adding that this is why many people "feel that they have a mascot in him." The actor believes the phenomenon is less about Trump himself and more about "the general population and their need for validation."
Looking Ahead: A Third Term and Brolin's Stance
The conversation turned to the speculation of a constitutionally questionable third term for Trump in the 2028 election. Brolin addressed these rumors with a measured response. "I'm not scared of Trump, because even though he says he's staying for ever, it's just not going to happen," he said. The actor concluded with a pragmatic outlook, stating, "And if it does, then I'll deal with that moment." This reflects his previous desire for a leader who "embraces us all, not just the ones that like him," a sentiment he shared during the 2020 election cycle.
