Another Obama ally is abandoning the US?
Hollywood actor George Clooney and his wife, international human rights attorney Amal Clooney, have officially obtained French citizenship for themselves and their twin children, according to a government decree released by French authorities.
The decree, published over the weekend, lists Clooney, his wife, and their children, Ella and Alexander, as newly naturalized citizens of France. Amal Clooney appears under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin, while the remaining family members are listed under the Clooney surname.
The move comes after years of public comments from Clooney expressing dissatisfaction with American celebrity culture and life in Hollywood. In a recent interview, the actor said the family now considers France their primary residence, citing concerns about raising children in Los Angeles.
According to reporting from the Associated Press, the Clooneys purchased a large rural estate in France in 2021. Clooney has described the property as a working farm, emphasizing what he views as a calmer, more disciplined environment for his children.
In interviews, Clooney praised French culture for being less focused on fame and celebrity status. He noted that his children experience fewer distractions, limited screen time, and more traditional family routines, such as shared meals and household responsibilities.
Clooney has also become increasingly active in U.S. political commentary over the past decade. A longtime supporter of Democratic causes, he has raised millions for party candidates and aligned himself closely with figures from the Obama era.
Last year, Clooney drew national attention after publishing an opinion column in The New York Times urging then-President Joe Biden to step aside from the 2024 presidential race. The piece sparked backlash from both political parties and reignited debate over Hollywood’s influence in American politics.
Clooney later questioned the Democratic Party’s decision to elevate Kamala Harris as Biden’s replacement, stating that she faced significant political challenges due to her prior record in office.
It remains unclear whether Clooney intends to give up his U.S. citizenship, though critics note that his decision to relocate abroad reflects a broader trend among wealthy celebrities who publicly criticize American institutions while choosing to live outside the country.
Amal Clooney was born in Lebanon and raised in the United Kingdom, while the couple’s children were born in London, giving the family multiple international ties prior to their move to France.
For many Americans, particularly those outside Hollywood’s elite circles, the decision reinforces long-standing concerns about cultural and political disconnects between celebrity activists and everyday citizens who remain rooted in the United States.