The exchange followed a Variety interview published on December 30, in which Clooney said he and Trump were once on friendly terms. He recalled socializing with Trump years ago and described him as a “goofball,” before noting that their relationship—and Trump himself—had changed.

Clooney also criticized ABC and CBS for settling defamation lawsuits brought by Trump, arguing that challenging those cases would have helped prevent broader damage to American media and politics.

Representatives for Clooney and the networks were contacted for comment.