CHICAGO — Hollywood legend Harrison Ford is once again speaking out on climate change — and this time, he’s directing sharp criticism at the Trump administration, calling its environmental policies “terrifying” and labeling the president “an instrument of the status quo.”
In a wide-ranging interview with The Guardian, the Indiana Jones and Star Wars actor said he was deeply alarmed by what he described as the White House’s “willful disregard” for environmental science. Ford, 83, who has been an outspoken conservation advocate for decades, said the administration’s approach to climate change “scares the s**t out of me.”
“He doesn’t have any policies — he has whims,” Ford said, referring to President Trump. “It’s unbelievable. I don’t know of a greater criminal in history.”
His remarks come just days after Ford was recognized for his lifelong environmental work at the Chicago Field Museum, where he was honored for his contributions to conservation and his three-decade commitment to protecting global biodiversity.
A Lifetime of Activism Meets a New Political Era
Ford’s criticism of the Trump administration’s climate policies isn’t new. As vice-chair of Conservation International since 1991, he has regularly used his platform to speak out on global warming, deforestation, and ocean preservation.
Over the years, Ford has participated in global campaigns for EarthShare and delivered high-profile speeches at international forums, including the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York.
But in recent interviews, his tone has grown more urgent.
“The ignorance, the hubris, the lies — it’s astonishing,” Ford told The Guardian. “He [Trump] knows better, but he’s an instrument of the status quo and making money hand over fist while the world goes to hell in a hand basket.”
Ford argued that the scientific predictions about climate change made over the last three decades have largely come true — from rising global temperatures to severe weather events and mass species extinction.
“Everything scientists warned us about is happening,” Ford said. “Why isn’t that enough to change behavior? Because of the entrenched status quo.”
A Hollywood Icon With a Global Message
While best known for portraying daring explorers and heroes on screen, Ford’s off-screen pursuits have been centered on science and preservation.
Through his work with Conservation International, Ford has advocated for rainforest protection and clean water initiatives in the Amazon Basin, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. His conservation efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including the Founders’ Award at the Chicago Field Museum gala earlier this week.
Speaking at the event, Ford recounted a formative moment from his childhood that sparked his lifelong commitment to nature:
“I looked, and there he was — ten feet away, a red fox, completely still, staring right at me,” he said in a conversation with anthropologist Wade Davis. “The fox left, and I walked away. I discovered a connection to nature. I knew I was part of it.”
Trump’s Contrasting View: “A Green Scam”
Ford’s recent comments come amid renewed debate over the Trump administration’s environmental agenda. Earlier this month, President Trump addressed a United Nations summit, where he dismissed global climate warnings as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”
“If you don’t get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail,” Trump said. “You need strong borders and traditional energy sources if you are going to be great again.”
The president’s remarks reignited criticism from environmentalists and scientists, who argue that the administration has rolled back key emissions standards and scaled down federal climate initiatives.
Ford, a lifelong Democrat, has repeatedly voiced his disapproval of those moves. He supported Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign and Kamala Harris’s 2024 run, while also collaborating with The Lincoln Project, a group of anti-Trump Republicans, to produce a political advertisement during the last election cycle.
“He’s losing ground because everything he says is a lie,” Ford said of Trump’s rhetoric.
An Urgent Warning Coupled With Hope
Despite his fierce criticism, Ford said he remains hopeful that collective action can still slow or reverse some of the damage caused by climate change.
“We are incredibly adaptive, we are incredibly inventive,” he said. “If we concentrate on a problem, we can fix it most times.”
He emphasized the need for a renewed focus on environmental policy, calling for “political will and intellectual sophistication” to prioritize clean energy and sustainable practices.
Ford said that although global efforts have been slow, public awareness is shifting — especially among younger generations.
“We can change behaviors,” he said. “We can create new technologies. But we need leadership that believes in science, not one that profits from denying it.”
A Broader Conversation on Climate Accountability
Ford’s blunt comments highlight a growing divide between activists and policymakers over environmental priorities. The actor’s words also echo the sentiments of several global leaders and scientists who have warned that delayed action on climate policy could have irreversible effects.
Analysts note that Ford’s influence as a global celebrity has given him an unusually large platform in policy discussions. His ability to blend Hollywood reach with environmental messaging has made him one of the entertainment industry’s most consistent advocates for climate action.
According to Conservation International, Ford’s work has helped raise millions for ecosystem restoration and conservation research worldwide.
“He has been one of our most dedicated advocates,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “Harrison brings authenticity — he’s not just reading talking points; he’s been in the field.”
A Longstanding Feud With Climate Skepticism
Ford’s frustration with political leaders who dismiss scientific consensus has been evident throughout his career. As early as 2019, he warned that political polarization was undermining environmental policy.
“Stop giving power to people who don’t believe in science,” he said at the time. “Or worse, pretend they don’t believe in science for their own self-interest.”
His renewed criticism of Trump — whom he accused of profiting from inaction — underscores how deeply climate issues have become intertwined with American politics.
While Trump has described climate change as a “hoax” or “con job,” Ford and other environmental advocates continue to press for policies that reduce emissions and expand renewable energy use.
Balancing Optimism and Realism
Ford’s tone may be urgent, but it is not defeatist. During his Chicago appearance, the actor expressed cautious optimism about humanity’s ability to adapt.
“We can still buy time,” he said. “We can still change. But that change depends on courage — political courage and moral courage.”
The 83-year-old star ended his remarks by reminding audiences that environmental protection is not just about politics or policy, but about legacy.
“We’re talking about our children and grandchildren,” he said. “We can choose to leave them a livable world — or not. It’s that simple.”
The Bottom Line
Ford’s outspoken comments have reignited debate about the Trump administration’s approach to climate change and the broader role of public figures in shaping environmental discourse.
Whether his criticism will influence policymakers remains uncertain — but for Ford, the message is clear: the time for hesitation is over.
“We have the ability to fix this,” he said. “We just need the will.”
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
