Richard Gere says even the Dalai Lama couldn’t influence Trump

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Richard Gere is once again reflecting on the country’s political climate, and this time, he says even the Dalai Lama himself might not be able to change Donald Trump. The actor shared his thoughts while discussing his new documentary centered on the Tibetan spiritual leader, expressing how unsettled he feels about the direction America has taken.

Gere has criticized Trump many times before, but framing his concerns through the lens of spiritual wisdom gave his latest comments a sharper edge.

Richard Gere says even the Dalai Lama may not influence Trump

While speaking with Variety about his documentary 'Wisdom of Happiness,' Richard Gere said the Dalai Lama’s message made him realize how off-track the country feels right now. But when asked whether those teachings could influence Donald Trump, he wasn’t optimistic.

“I don’t know that it would touch him,” Gere said bluntly. “I would hope it would. I would pray it would. But I don’t know how you explain what he’s done to this country, what it feels like to be an American now, 10 or 11 months in. It’s astonishing. It’s beyond what anyone imagined.”

Gere, who has been close to the Dalai Lama for decades, said the contrast between the spiritual leader’s compassion and today’s political tone feels almost jarring.

Richard Gere urges Americans to choose leaders with empathy

Gere didn’t limit his concerns to Donald Trump alone. He urged Americans to think more intentionally about the kind of leaders they elevate, and the kind of world they want to shape.

“If we want the world to look a certain way, we have to elect leaders who carry that vision,” he said. “People who guide us toward a higher possibility, not this constant battlefield, this daily craziness.” He added that a “very crude mentality” has taken over national leadership and warned that voters must reconsider the direction the country is heading.

Richard Gere slams Donald Trump, warns of rising authoritarianism

The actor has been one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics in Hollywood since the president returned to office. Back in September, Richard Gere said Trump “almost destroyed our country” within months of taking power again.

“We have a president who’s completely, he’s not only crazy. He’s a dark, dark presence,” he said at the time. Earlier this year, Gere also described Trump as “a bully and a thug” and warned that the United States was drifting toward a more authoritarian era. He urged everyday Americans to stay alert and protect the values that hold the country together.

“Authoritarianism takes us all over,” he warned. “We have to be vigilant, alert, energetic, brave… There’s always room for basic kindness, love, and understanding.”