Mark Hamill, the actor best known for portraying Luke Skywalker in the iconic Star Wars franchise, has once again voiced his deep disappointment over the state of American politics following the reelection of President Donald Trump. In a candid and wide-ranging interview on the popular "WTF With Marc Maron" podcast, Hamill did not mince words about his feelings regarding Trump’s second term and what it says about the country he calls home.
"It’s one thing for him to have sneaked by the first time — when he got reelected, that’s on us," Hamill said, reflecting on the 2024 presidential election between Trump and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. According to HuffPost, Hamill’s remarks were made public on September 8, 2025, and have since stirred considerable discussion among fans and political commentators alike.
The actor’s sense of shame and isolation was palpable during the podcast. "That’s where I’m really ashamed of — because I always thought there are more decent Americans, honest Americans than there are others. And it proved I was wrong. I’m in the minority in my own country," Hamill confessed. This sentiment, he explained, has only deepened since Trump’s reelection, a result that took many by surprise and left others, like Hamill, questioning the very fabric of American society.
Hamill’s disillusionment is not a new development. On November 6, 2024, the night Trump’s victory was confirmed, Hamill took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disbelief and disappointment. He wrote, "They say we get the leaders we deserve. Either that has just been disproven, or this is not the America we all thought we were living in." The post quickly went viral, resonating with those who shared his concerns and sparking debate among those who did not.
Reflecting on the roots of his political frustration, Hamill recalled filming Star Wars: The Last Jedi during the tumultuous 2016 election, when Hillary Clinton faced off against Trump for the first time. As Variety reported, Hamill remembered British crew members approaching him on set with a simple, bewildered question: "Mark, why do Americans love Donald Trump so much?" Hamill said he was at a loss for words. "I don’t know a single person who can stomach him," he told them, underscoring the cultural and political divide that seemed to be widening not just in America, but in the eyes of the world.
Hamill admitted that, at one time, he found Trump’s brash persona almost entertaining. "I used to think, when I was living in New York doing theater, he was amusing to me. What’s not funny about a blowhard egomaniac with zero self-awareness?" he said. But that changed dramatically in 2011, when Trump began publicly questioning President Barack Obama’s birthplace—a move that would become known as the "birther" controversy. "He was a buffoon. But what turned me on a dime was in 2011 when he went on the birther thing, which was interesting because that was his first foray into politics and he got a great response from that. Oh, I’m appealing to the racists and the conspiracy theorists," Hamill explained on Maron’s podcast, as cited by Deadline.
For Hamill, Trump’s embrace of conspiracy theories and divisive rhetoric marked a turning point. What once seemed like harmless showmanship now appeared, in Hamill’s eyes, as a dangerous appeal to the worst instincts in American political life. "That was his first foray into politics and he got a great response from that," Hamill noted, pointing to the way Trump’s tactics resonated with segments of the electorate.
The actor’s frustration is not limited to Trump himself. Hamill has repeatedly stressed that Trump’s reelection says as much about the American people as it does about the former reality TV star-turned-president. "It’s one thing for him to have sneaked by the first time — when he got reelected, that’s on us," Hamill reiterated. The implication is clear: in Hamill’s view, the responsibility for Trump’s continued political success lies with the electorate, a realization that has left him feeling alienated and, as he put it, "in the minority in my own country."
Hamill’s reaction to Trump’s victory was so intense that he even considered leaving the United States for the United Kingdom. However, his wife, Marilou York, convinced him otherwise. As Hamill recounted, "She’s very clever. She didn’t respond right away, but a week later she said, ‘I’m surprised you would allow him to force you out of your own country.’ That son of a bitch, I thought. I’m not leaving." This personal anecdote, shared with characteristic humor and candor, highlights the emotional toll that the political climate has taken on Hamill and, by extension, on many Americans who feel similarly disillusioned.
Hamill’s outspokenness is nothing new. Over the years, he has used his platform to comment on political and social issues, often courting both praise and criticism. His willingness to speak his mind, regardless of the potential backlash, has made him a polarizing figure in some circles but also a voice for those who feel marginalized or unheard in the current political landscape.
The WTF With Marc Maron podcast episode featuring Hamill aired on September 8, 2025, and quickly became a touchstone for discussions about celebrity activism, political polarization, and the role of public figures in shaping national conversations. According to Fox News, Hamill’s remarks have reignited debates about the intersection of entertainment and politics, with some applauding his honesty and others questioning the impact of celebrity opinions on public discourse.
Hamill’s comments also draw attention to broader questions about American identity and the nature of democracy. Is it true, as the old saying goes, that "we get the leaders we deserve"? Or, as Hamill suggested in his social media post, has something fundamental changed in the character of the nation? These are questions that resonate far beyond Hollywood, touching on the anxieties and hopes of millions of Americans as they navigate an era marked by deep divisions and uncertainty.
As the dust settles from the 2024 election and Trump’s second term unfolds, Hamill’s words serve as both a lament and a call to reflection. Whether one agrees with his assessment or not, his willingness to speak openly about his disappointment—and his decision to stay and engage rather than retreat—offers a reminder that the struggle over America’s future is far from settled. For Mark Hamill, the battle for the soul of the nation continues, one conversation at a time.
