Jeff Daniels hopes Republicans who backed Trump 'are losing tons of money' in rant on economic fallout

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Jeff Daniels, best known for roles in 'Dumb and Dumber' and recent Netflix drama 'A Man in Full', sparked controversy this week after delivering a blistering critique of Republican voters and President Donald Trump during an interview on MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace’s podcast 'The Best People'.

Daniels didn’t hold back, openly stating he hopes Trump supporters experience financial hardship as a direct result of the policies they supported.

Jeff Daniels blasts Trump and GOP

During the conversation on Monday, July 21, Daniels, 69, offered a candid assessment of what he views as the long-term consequences of Republican political strategy and the Trump presidency.

He accused Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of initiating a systematic effort to reshape the federal judiciary over the past 25 years in anticipation of America's changing demographics.

“They were going to be the minority,” Daniels said. “So they just started [stacking the courts], and then here we are. And now you've got it, and now you're losing money. I hope you're losing tons of money, those of you who thought this would be OK.”

Wallace, a former Republican operative turned cable news host, echoed Daniels’ concerns, citing the impact of Trump’s tariff policies on everyday Americans, especially in swing states like Michigan, which voted for Trump again in 2024.

Daniels responded by arguing that rising prices on groceries and goods would ultimately reveal the true cost of supporting Trump.

“Wait a minute, the grocery bill is what? $180 more? I can’t get that car we have to have unless I pay another $8,000? Who do I blame for that? Who do I see about that? One person,” Daniels said. “I think he’s a snake oil salesman, and I think people will see that.”

Jeff Daniels praises Kamala Harris in podcast appearance

Daniels also reflected on what he sees as a broader moral crisis in America, lamenting the erosion of decency in favor of short-term economic interests. Wallace asked whether the American electorate had sacrificed principles like dignity and fairness in exchange for cheaper consumer goods.

“There’s something about decency being the sort of collateral damage - the thing we lose over wanting cheaper eggs,” she said.

Daniels agreed, arguing that Trump voters were sold false promises and misled into believing he would lower the cost of living. Instead, he claimed, voters were left with higher bills and economic uncertainty.

While criticizing the GOP and Trump, Daniels also offered praise for Kamala Harris, saying she would have led the country with a Lincoln-like approach, by welcoming differing viewpoints rather than surrounding herself with sycophants.

“She would have been a good choice,” Daniels said. “Because she would have done what Lincoln did. He surrounded himself with the people who would disagree with him, not the people who would take a knee and say, ‘Yeah, more tariffs, sir, more.’”

Jeff Daniels’ Trump critique sparks fierce backlash

Daniels’ outspoken criticism of Republican voters and Trump sparked a wave of strong reactions on X (formerly known as Twitter). While some praised his candidness, many users voiced sharp backlash.

One user wrote, “That’s the second time I’ve seen this clip and the second time I haven’t unmuted it. I don’t care what he has to say.” Another added, “He shouldn’t speak about topics he knows nothing about.”

Supporters of Trump also pushed back, with comments like, “He doesn’t need to sell me anymore, I already voted for Trump,” and “Jeff Daniels can cry all he wants, most Americans are tired of being pushed around.”

Others dismissed his views outright, saying, “That’s a ridiculous take,” and “Says the guy that had a show that put this country down! He can STFU.”

The backlash underscores the deep political divide and how celebrity opinions continue to fuel passionate debate online.

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