Jane Fonda Delivers a Powerful Rebuke to Trump at the Screen Actors Guild Awards
On Sunday night, Hollywood legend Jane Fonda took the stage at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards to accept her Life Achievement Award, delivering a speech that was both deeply personal and sharply political. Fonda, a lifelong actor, activist, and icon of the 1960s counterculture, used her platform to address the current cultural and political divide in America, particularly targeting President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for hosting “woke” events. While Fonda never mentioned Trump by name, her comments were unmistakably directed at him, as she called out his dismissal of empathy and inclusivity as “weak” or “woke.”
A Call for Empathy in a Divided World
Fonda began her speech by praising her fellow actors for their ability to create empathy through their craft. She emphasized that actors must understand and empathize with the characters they portray, even when those characters behave in ways that are objectionable. “While you may hate the behavior of your character, you have to understand and empathize with the traumatized person you’re playing, right?” she said, pointing to Sebastian Stan’s performance in The Apprentice, a 2024 drama that portrays Trump’s rise as a real estate magnate. This was a clear nod to Trump’s controversial past and the ongoing debates about his influence on American culture.
Fonda’s most pointed remarks came when she directly challenged Trump’s disdain for the term “woke.” “And by the way, ‘woke’ just means you give a damn about other people,” she declared, prompting thunderous applause from the audience. Her definition of “woke” as a commitment to caring about others was a direct rebuke to Trump and his allies, who have frequently used the term as a pejorative to describe Democrats, progressives, and anyone who opposes their politics. Fonda’s defense of “wokeness” as a positive value was a bold statement in a moment when the term has become a flashpoint in America’s culture wars.
Fonda’s Legacy of Speaking Truth to Power
Jane Fonda has long been known for her fearless willingness to speak truth to power, and her speech at the SAG Awards was no exception. From her iconic protests against the Vietnam War in the 1970s to her more recent activism on behalf of climate action, Fonda has never shied away from taking a stand, even when it comes at great personal cost. In 2019, she was arrested five times while protesting climate change inaction in Washington, D.C., a testament to her unwavering commitment to social justice.
Fonda’s speech on Sunday was also deeply introspective, as she reflected on the power of community and the importance of staying connected in a world that often feels divided. “We must not isolate,” she urged the audience. “We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future—one that is beckoning, welcoming, that will help people believe that… there will still be love.” Her closing words, “Let’s make it so,” were met with a standing ovation, as the audience was clearly moved by her call to action.
The Evolution of “Woke” in America
Fonda’s speech also highlighted the evolving meaning of the term “woke,” which has been a central theme in American politics and culture in recent years. The Oxford English Dictionary defines “woke” as being “alert to injustice in society, especially racism,” and it originated in African American Vernacular English as a call to awareness and activism. However, in recent years, the term has been co-opted by conservatives like Trump as a way to dismiss progressive values and paint liberals as out of touch with mainstream America.
Fonda’s defense of “woke” as a positive value was a clear response to Trump’s recent attacks on the Kennedy Center, which he claimed was being “ruined” by “woke” performances. Earlier this month, Trump announced that he would be taking over as chairman of the Kennedy Center, a move that was widely seen as an attempt to exert control over the nation’s cultural institutions. Fonda’s speech was, in part, a defense of the arts as a space for inclusivity and progressive values, and she made it clear that she would not stand idly by while those values were being eroded.
The Lasting Impact of Fonda’s Words
Jane Fonda’s speech at the SAG Awards will likely be remembered as one of the most memorable moments of the evening, not just for its direct challenge to Trump, but also for its broader message about the power of empathy and community. In a world that often feels increasingly divided, Fonda’s call to action was a powerful reminder of the importance of staying connected and working together to build a better future.
At 87 years old, Fonda remains a relevant and influential figure in both Hollywood and the wider cultural landscape. Her speech on Sunday was a testament to her enduring commitment to social justice and her belief in the power of art to change the world. As the audience rose to their feet to cheer for her, it was clear that her words had struck a chord, and that her legacy as a champion of empathy and inclusivity would continue to inspire for years to come.
