Legendary actor and lifelong activist Jane Fonda has issued a stark and urgent warning about the state of American democracy, declaring that the nation is witnessing events that have "never happened before." The 88-year-old icon, known for her roles in films like 9 to 5, made these pointed remarks during a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where she focused on the erosion of First Amendment protections under the current administration of President Donald Trump.
A Dire Assessment of Current Realities
During her interview, Fonda painted a grim picture of the political landscape, asserting that authoritarian tendencies have permeated every aspect of government. "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," she stated emphatically. "Authoritarianism has made its way into every single nook and cranny of our government."
Fonda highlighted alarming actions, including allegations of kidnappings and the legal deportation of American citizens, framing these not as partisan issues but as fundamental moral breaches. "They are kidnapping people. They are legally deporting American citizens," she claimed, urging viewers to look beyond political affiliations. "It's not a question of right or left. I don't care what party you belong to. It's a question of right or wrong."
Referencing Recent Tragedies and Calls for Solidarity
The veteran actor specifically referenced the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis earlier this month, an incident involving an ICE agent that has sparked nationwide protests. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the action by labelling Good's behaviour as "domestic terrorism," a characterisation that has fuelled public outrage.
"Minneapolis, where they shot Ms. Good—they are shooting people. They are blinding people," Fonda continued. "All kinds of really, really bad things are happening." She stressed the gravity of the situation, noting that critical lines are being crossed and that citizens have reached a breaking point. "I think lines are being crossed. And it's enough. We've had enough."
Fonda invoked America's foundational principles, reminding the audience of the sacrifices made for freedom. "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." Her solution centred on collective action, urging people to band together "in solidarity" and emphasising that "we have to not be alone."
A Lifetime of Activism Informing Her Perspective
Fonda's warnings are rooted in decades of political engagement. Her activism stretches back to the Vietnam War protests and active participation in the Civil Rights Movement, giving her a long-term view of social and political struggles. This historical context underscores her current concerns, as she perceives present threats as uniquely severe compared to past challenges.
Her recent comments echo sentiments she expressed at the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Awards, now known as The Actor Awards, where she accepted a Lifetime Achievement honour. Without naming Trump directly, she made a thinly-veiled critique by referencing actor Sebastian Stan's portrayal of the president in The Apprentice. Fonda spoke about the importance of empathy, even towards those one disagrees with, stating, "Though you may hate the behavior of your character, you have to understand and empathize with the traumatized person you're playing."
She defended empathy as a strength, not a weakness, clarifying that "'woke' just means you give a damn about other people." Fonda warned of impending hardship for many and called for inclusivity in resistance efforts. "A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way. And even if they are of different persuasion we need to call upon our empathy and listen with our hearts and welcome them into our tent. Because we are going to need a big tent to resist successfully what is coming at us."
In closing, Fonda described the current era as a "documentary moment" that demands clear-eyed recognition of reality. She reiterated the necessity of community and support for the vulnerable, asserting, "We must not isolate, we must stay in community, we must help the vulnerable." Her message serves as both a dire warning and a rallying cry for unity in the face of what she perceives as an unprecedented assault on American democratic values and civil liberties.
