Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron did not hold back in his latest remarks on President Donald Trump’s reelection, saying he is “sickened” by the result and comparing the state of America to a never-ending disaster.
Speaking on The F#$%ing News podcast, as highlighted by Variety, the legendary director of Titanic and Avatar expressed deep disappointment with the direction of the country under Trump’s leadership. He also revealed that his New Zealand citizenship is “imminent” and made it clear that he has no plans to live in the United States again.
“I see a turn away from everything decent,” Cameron said of the U.S. under Trump’s administration. “America doesn’t stand for anything if it doesn’t stand for what it has historically stood for. It becomes a hollow idea, and I think they’re hollowing it out as fast as they can for their own benefit.”
Cameron, who was born in Canada, has spent the past 14 years living in New Zealand, where he has worked on his Avatar sequels and embraced a quieter life away from U.S. politics. His decision to officially obtain New Zealand citizenship, he said, was influenced in part by what he sees as America’s rapid decline under Trump’s leadership.
When asked if he feels safer living abroad, Cameron hesitated to say yes outright but acknowledged that life outside of the U.S. brings a sense of relief.
“It’s nice that I don’t have to see that guy’s face on the front page of newspapers every day,” he said. “It’s inescapable there [in the U.S.]. It’s like watching a car crash over and over and over.”
The filmmaker’s comments reflect a growing sense of disillusionment among high-profile figures who have voiced frustration with Trump’s policies and governance. Cameron has been outspoken on environmental and social issues for years, and his latest remarks indicate that he sees little hope for improvement under Trump’s continued leadership.
Since his second inauguration in January, Trump has embarked on a sweeping effort to reshape the federal government, working closely with billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk. Musk, who was appointed to lead the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has overseen dramatic budget cuts, downsizing efforts, and the removal of key government oversight positions.
The rapid pace of these changes has alarmed Democrats and even some Republicans, who worry about the impact on federal agencies and their ability to serve constituents. Trump’s administration has already removed agency watchdogs, purged top military officials and government lawyers, halted diversity initiatives, and cut foreign aid.
Cameron’s criticism aligns with growing concerns that the administration’s moves are not about efficiency but about consolidating power and silencing opposition.
The Democratic Party, still reeling from its 2024 election loss, is struggling to formulate a unified response to Trump’s latest actions. While some Democratic leaders advocate for a strategic, measured opposition, grassroots activists are demanding more aggressive resistance.
The rapid dismantling of government agencies, combined with Musk’s influence over federal policy, has fueled calls for stronger Democratic leadership in Congress. Some progressive voices argue that the party needs to take a bolder stance rather than waiting for public opinion to turn against Trump on its own.
However, with Trump’s control over the executive branch and Republicans largely rallying behind his administration, Democrats face an uphill battle in countering these sweeping changes.
Cameron’s remarks add to a long history of Hollywood figures voicing their opposition to Trump. Many in the entertainment industry have used their platforms to challenge the president’s policies, often drawing criticism from conservatives who argue that actors and filmmakers should stay out of politics.
But Cameron, who has built a career on telling sweeping, dramatic stories, appears to see Trump’s leadership as its own kind of dystopian narrative—one that he would rather watch from afar.
His decision to distance himself from the U.S. altogether speaks volumes about how deeply he believes the country has veered off course.
As Trump and Musk continue to reshape the government in their vision, voices like Cameron’s are likely to grow louder. Whether these criticisms will translate into meaningful political opposition, however, remains to be seen.
For now, Cameron is making his stance clear: he wants no part of Trump’s America.
