Morgan Freeman didn’t mince words when asked about the state of the country and his frustration was impossible to miss.

During a Friday appearance on MS Now (February 27), the legendary actor was invited to reflect on the legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis and whether America still represents the ideals Lewis fought so hard to defend. What began as a thoughtful conversation about history and progress quickly shifted into a sharp critique of current leadership.

Freeman said he struggles to understand how a convicted felon could rise to the presidency, questioning how such a result aligns with the nation’s democratic principles. He expressed disbelief that legal rulings handed down before the inauguration didn’t alter the political outcome, making it clear he feels the system failed to uphold basic standards of accountability.

The interview coincides with Freeman promoting a new Prime Video drama set during the Civil War, which he executive produced alongside Kevin Costner. But the discussion moved far beyond entertainment. For Freeman, the stakes appeared deeply personal tied to the broader direction of the country.

This isn’t new territory for him. During Trump’s first term, Freeman publicly supported Hillary Clinton and voiced concern about where he believed the nation was headed. In 2017, he remarked that the political climate made it feel as though the country was “jumping off a cliff,” unsure of how it would land.

More recently, Freeman had to push back against viral online claims suggesting he supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. His representatives issued a formal denial to Reuters, clarifying that the claims were false.

Freeman joins a long list of prominent figures in the entertainment industry who have openly criticized Trump. Robert De Niro has been particularly outspoken, arguing in recent interviews that the country is facing a critical moment and that Trump’s leadership poses serious risks to democratic norms. Trump, in turn, fired back on Truth Social with personal insults aimed at De Niro.

For both actors, the message has been consistent: they believe the presidency demands integrity, accountability, and respect for democratic institutions. Whether voters agree or not, it’s clear that some of Hollywood’s most recognizable voices are once again stepping into the political arena not as performers, but as citizens concerned about the future of the country.