Jane Fonda has never shied away from political controversy throughout her long and impactful career. Known for her outspoken activism and fearless approach to social justice issues, she has been both celebrated and criticized for her stance on various political matters. Her history as a polarizing figure dates back to the 1960s when she actively supported the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Panthers. Later, in 1972, she was infamously dubbed “Hanoi Jane” after being photographed sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun during the Vietnam War—a moment that cemented her reputation as a divisive public figure. Despite the backlash, Fonda remained steadfast in her beliefs and has continued to use her platform to advocate for issues she finds important.

This past weekend, Fonda once again made headlines as she was honored with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Life Achievement Award in recognition of her legendary career in film and television, as well as her activism. While accepting the award, the 87-year-old actress and activist delivered a speech that touched on themes of unity, empathy, and resistance against what she described as troubling political developments. In typical Fonda fashion, she didn’t hold back, and while she refrained from directly naming President Donald Trump, her words carried an unmistakable critique of his leadership and policies.

Fonda’s speech included a reference to Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Trump in the 2024 film The Apprentice, a movie that delves into the former president’s rise in the business world. She emphasized the importance of understanding and empathizing with even the most controversial figures, stating:

“Though you may hate the behavior of your character, you have to understand and empathize with the traumatized person you’re playing.”

The statement, though seemingly about acting, was widely interpreted as a call to acknowledge the complexities behind political figures and their decisions, while still holding them accountable for their actions.

She went on to deliver a passionate defense of “wokeness”, a term that has been politicized and criticized in recent years.

“Empathy is not weak or ‘woke,’” Fonda declared. “And, by the way, ‘woke’ just means you give a damn about other people.”

Her words were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, a testament to her enduring influence as both an entertainer and an activist.

She continued with a more urgent warning about the current state of American politics, stressing the importance of unity in facing the challenges ahead.

“A whole lot of people are going to be hurt by what’s happening, by what’s coming our way,” she cautioned. “We are going to need a big tent to resist what’s coming at us. And even if they are of a different political persuasion, we need to call upon our empathy and not judge, but listen from our hearts, and welcome them into our tent. Because we are gonna need a big tent to resist successfully what’s coming at us.”

Her remarks struck a chord, particularly in light of the recent political turmoil in the United States. Since assuming office for a second term, Trump has wasted no time in pushing forward with a series of sweeping executive orders and policy changes, many of which have sparked outrage and legal challenges.

One of the most controversial decisions has been the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative headed by tech mogul Elon Musk. While the department was created with the stated goal of streamlining government spending and eliminating bureaucratic waste, critics have raised concerns about Musk’s unconventional leadership style and potential conflicts of interest. Many fear that this new department could be used to justify cuts to essential programs while benefiting private enterprises.

Adding to the international concerns, Trump’s recent negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin have stirred unease among U.S. allies. Reports indicate that Trump has been engaging in back-channel discussions aimed at negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine, but critics argue that his cozying up to an authoritarian leader could come at a high cost for global stability. His apparent willingness to sidestep traditional diplomatic channels has only fueled speculation about what concessions he may be willing to make.

Fonda’s speech comes at a time when Hollywood and the political world continue to intersect, with many celebrities using their platforms to voice opposition to Trump’s administration. The SAG Awards provided Fonda with a highly visible stage to rally support for progressive causes and urge people to remain vigilant and active in shaping the country’s future.

Reactions to her speech have been mixed. Supporters praised her for speaking out at a time when political tensions are at an all-time high, while critics dismissed her remarks as yet another example of Hollywood elitism interfering in politics. Regardless of where one stands on her message, one thing is undeniable—Fonda remains a force to be reckoned with, both on screen and in the realm of activism.

Her speech serves as a reminder of her lifelong commitment to social justice and political engagement. As the country grapples with uncertain times, Fonda’s call for empathy, unity, and resistance will likely resonate with those who share her concerns about the direction in which the country is headed.

What do you think of Jane Fonda’s speech? Do you agree with her message, or do you believe Hollywood should stay out of politics? Share your thoughts in the comments below.