What to Know
Jane Fonda has been an outspoken political activist for decades, but what’s happening in the United States right now is different from anything she’s seen before. During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the 88-year-old actress and activist warned Americans that “authoritarianism has made its way into every single nook and cranny of our government.” Her comments about the Trump administration have gone viral, and people are praising her for having an appropriate reaction to what’s happening and for being “the voice of reason” we need right now.
Jane clarified that it’s actually not ‘a question of right or left.’
Instead, “it’s a question of right or wrong,” she argued. While wearing a bedazzled “resist” t-shirt, Jade warned, “If the government is not meeting the needs of its people, there’s something wrong, right? We’re seeing things happen that have never happened before. This isn’t like it was in the 40s and 50s. Authoritarianism has made its way into every single nook and cranny of our government.”
Just in case it wasn’t clear what she was referring to, Jane listed several concerns she has. “They are kidnapping people,” she said. “They are illegally deporting American citizens.” She mentioned Renee Good, the 37-year-old woman who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
“Minneapolis, where they shot Ms. Good—they are shooting people. They are blinding people,” she continued. “All kinds of really, really bad things are happening.” This is why she made the argument that it’s really not about political affiliation. “I don’t care what party you belong to,” she stated. “It’s a question of right or wrong. Right?”
She said “lines are being crossed.”
At this point, the Trump administration has taken things too far for Jane and for many other Americans. “It’s enough,” Jane said. “We’ve had enough, right?” She continued, “We are the land of the brave. Our loved ones fought and many died for these freedoms. We can’t allow them to be taken away from us, because if we let them go, they won’t be there later when we need them back.”
Of course, it’s not the most uplifting message. But Jane did end on a slightly more encouraging and motivational note, telling people what she thinks they can do about it. “This is what we have to do,” she started. “We have to not be alone. We have to work with other people in solidarity. We have to build community.”
She mentioned several groups that people might be involved in, such as churches or garden clubs, and said they could be a great place to start. “Help them get organized,” she advised. “Help them learn in advance what to do when they come for you. And they will, believe me — unless we stop this.”
Again, she emphasized that this period of time is unique.
To emphasize how serious she is about this, she emphasized, “This is not like other times in this country, especially if you’re white. We have not experienced this before, and we can’t allow this to happen.” Although things feel bleak, Jane reminded everyone that people are stronger and more powerful than they might realize. “Our power as people can make a difference,” she added.
A clip from Jane’s appearance on the show has garnered a lot of attention on social media because people were happy to see someone speaking up about what’s going on with a sense of urgency. “She’s been speaking out her entire life. Thank you!!!” one person wrote on Instagram. Jane’s comments made many feel like she’s actually taking things seriously and responding accordingly. Someone said this was actually “the first time I’ve seen anyone with an appropriately upset reaction.”
