‘Lord of the Rings’ star Ian McKellen claims Trump is ‘one of the worst’ public speakers, Internet says ex-prez is a ‘comedian’

British actor Ian McKellen said great oratory is a thing of the past
PUBLISHED JUN 9, 2024
British actor Ian McKellen shared his opinion about Donald Trump as a public speaker (Getty Images)
British actor Ian McKellen shared his opinion about Donald Trump as a public speaker (Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND: British actor Ian McKellen is clearly not impressed with Donald Trump's oratory skills. In a recent interview, the veteran of 'The Lord of the Rings' described Trump's oratory abilities as "an absolute bewilderment".

The veteran actor, renowned for his role as Gandalf in Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, shared his opinions on the presidential candidate with The Times of London.

What did Ian McKellen say about Donald Trump?

McKellen remarked while talking about former President Donald Trump, “I haven’t seen him live. But he’s one of the worst public speakers there has ever been. Whether he’s reading a script or not, it’s so patent what he is,” Deadline reported.

Ian McKellen, 85, is currently portraying Falstaff on stage in the UK. He suggested that the great powers of oratory might be a relic of the past.

He said, “I remember leaving my school [in Bolton] in the sixth form and cycling down to the town square to see [1950s Welsh Labour Party politician] Aneurin Bevan on the hustings without a microphone."

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Sir Ian McKellen attends
Ian McKellen lamented that there aren't any great orators around anymore (Dave Benett/Getty Images )

He remarked, "There aren’t any great orators like that around, are there?”

He lamented that politicians “don’t spend enough time looking at themselves and saying, ‘Well, I didn’t believe that person'."

McKellen has had a distinguished career of over 60 years. He continues to work in theatre and film, selecting his roles carefully, knowing each could be his final.

He expressed willingness to reprise his role as Gandalf in the upcoming movie 'The Hunt for Gollum,' set to be produced by Jackson and directed by Andy Serkis, with a projected release in 2026.

However, McKellen noted, "There is no script, no offer, there is no plan."

Internet reacts to Ian McKellen's remarks about Trump's oratory skills

Ian McKellen's comments resonated with many social media users who commented below the Deadline article.

One wrote, "Obama was a great orator. It was a pleasure to hear him give speeches, unlike the case with most presidents. Trump is basically an insult comedian at a podium."

Another user added, "He’s not wrong. Bill was the last great orator and he was porous compared to the averages of the 50s-60s. I don’t think Trump would claim to be an orator though."

The third commentator wrote, "Trump is not a great orator. He’s a comedian. Completely different standard. While I disagree with McKellen I still hope to see him put on the pointy hat one more time."

"Complete political bias love him or hate him the guy knows how to talk and use the charisma to manipulate his audience," a person claimed about Trump.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The Justice Department released court filings, emails, photographs, and flight records in December tied to Jeffrey Epstein
11 hours ago
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's remarks framed Mamdani's leadership as a turning point, emphasizing inclusivity and ambition for working-class communities
15 hours ago
Ro Khanna said that he will pursue bipartisan oversight hearings on California's high‑risk programs linked to illegal payments and eligibility errors
20 hours ago
'Leading the DOT will require someone who's experienced, who is fluent in the landscape as it is', Mamdani said, explaining his choice of Mike Flynn
22 hours ago
Trump launched into a tirade about alleged abuse of taxpayer-funded programs, accusing fraudsters of stealing billions and promising to reclaim the cash.
1 day ago
President Donald Trump said 'everyone loved' his Triumphal Arch plan and vowed a UFC event at the White House for America's 250th anniversary
1 day ago
Republicans needed a win to regain two‑thirds supermajority, but with 33 seats they fell one short, leaving them dependent on Dems for confirmations
1 day ago
Donald Trump said that the nation was 'hotter than ever before' as he touted strong borders, low inflation, and military power as proof of his success
1 day ago
The Arkansas Valley Conduit bill and Miccosukee Tribe land expansion measure were stopped over taxpayer and federal cost concerns
1 day ago
Reps Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie pursued legislation to pressure the DOJ, proposing $5,000‑a‑day fines on Pam Bondi until all records were released
1 day ago