Richard Gere Says He Is “Deeply Ashamed” of the U.S. and Slams Donald Trump as “Crazy”

The actor known for Pretty Woman criticized U.S. immigration rhetoric during a public appearance, arguing that the language used to describe migrants and refugees dehumanizes them and separates them from the rest of society. He said human history has always been shaped by migration, movement, adaptation, and the contributions of people who travel in search of safety, opportunity, and a better life.

In his remarks, he stressed that migrants and refugees should not be treated as though they are fundamentally different from everyone else. He said the current debate often frames them in ways that strip away their humanity, suggesting that their hopes, fears, and dreams are somehow less valid than those of others. According to him, that kind of language reinforces division rather than understanding.

The actor specifically condemned the term reportedly used by the U.S. government to refer to migrants, saying he had been told they were being called “aliens.” He contrasted that with previous harsh labels, saying the rhetoric had shifted from “vermin” to “aliens,” and described himself as deeply ashamed by the language. He argued that such words place migrants into a separate category of human beings, rather than recognizing them as people with the same basic dignity as anyone else.

He also emphasized that migration is not an unusual or exceptional part of human existence, but a defining feature of it. He said journeys, movement across borders, and the search for belonging are part of the shared human story. By framing migration this way, he suggested that people should remember their own histories and the paths their ancestors may have taken before them.

His comments come amid ongoing political debate in the United States over immigration policy, border enforcement, and the language used by government officials and public figures. The remarks reflect broader criticism from advocates and artists who say harsh terminology contributes to hostility toward migrants and refugees and can shape public attitudes in damaging ways.

The actor’s statement focused less on policy details and more on the moral and human dimension of the issue. He urged listeners to see migrants not as outsiders or abstract political subjects, but as people whose lives are marked by the same emotions and ambitions shared by everyone else. He said the simple truth is that all people are connected through movement and shared humanity.

The remarks added to a growing conversation about how immigration is discussed in public life, especially when terms used by officials become part of wider political messaging. The actor’s criticism was direct and personal, expressing both disappointment and concern about the direction of the debate.