Fact Check: Did Denzel Washington say he's a Trump supporter and will never apologize for it?
WASHINGTON, DC: A social media post claimed that Hollywood actor Denzel Washington praised President Donald Trump by calling him a great friend and a better president. The claim surfaced amid criticisms of Trump, triggering mixed reactions from online users, who are calling for a fact-check.
Claim: Denzel Washington calls Donald Trump braver and smarter
According to a viral post that surfaced on X, Washington allegedly said, “I've worked with a lot of people in my life, and I've never met anyone braver, smarter, or who cares more about America than Donald Trump."
"He's a great friend and an even better president. I'm proud to be a steadfast supporter, and I'll never apologize for it. God bless America and our president.”
The claim drew conflicting reactions from online users, with many slamming the ‘Malcolm X’ actor for his remark, while others agreed with him, suggesting that many believe the claim to be true.
Meanwhile, a few others remained skeptical and dismissed the claim as fake, prompting a fact-check.
Fact Check: Denzel Washington did not make such a statement
The claim, however, is false, as no credible reports suggest that the Oscar-winning actor made such a remark in favor of the president.
A Google search for the claim returned no relevant reports by prominent news and entertainment media outlets, which, if true, would not go unreported.
The search results also revealed the same quote was once spread, attributing it to Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey, which has been debunked by fact-checking organizations.
Similar remarks attributed to Washington and Trump had surfaced over the past decade, which the actor’s representatives confirmed as false.
A fact check by Grok confirmed the claim to be false, stating, “The quote in the image is fabricated. Denzel Washington never said he considers Donald Trump the bravest or smartest person he’s worked with, nor has he publicly declared himself a ‘steadfast supporter’ in those terms.”
Denzel Washington's political stand remains unclear
During the 2016 election, Washington endorsed Hillary Clinton against Trump, while his stance on the 2024 elections remains a mystery.
In a 2024 interview, the actor urged the citizens to realize that they’re being manipulated by both sides.
“You know, it’s so easy to stand outside America and say this and that. Turn around, you know? Pick a country. Any one,” he said.
