Arnold Schwarzenegger finally addressed whether he’s still a Republican after Democrats’ historic midterm sweep. The former California governor explained his political stance and revealed a private conversation with Donald Trump on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Arnold Schwarzenegger explains why he’s still a republican
Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed he remains a Republican despite Democrats’ sweeping midterm victory. Speaking on the November 11 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the legendary actor stood firm on his political identity. “Yeah, I’m a Republican, absolutely,” he told host Jimmy Kimmel.
Schwarzenegger defined his Republican values through the party’s historical achievements. “A traditional Republican is someone that admires the Republican Party for having freed the slaves,” he said. Schwarzenegger also credited the party with granting formerly enslaved people citizenship and voting rights.
The 79-year-old actor pointed to Ronald Reagan’s environmental record as a model. Reagan established the California Air Resources Board, and Richard Nixon created the EPA. “He created the Environmental Protection Agency to protect our environment, the water and the air,” Schwarzenegger added. When Kimmel suggested these positions now oppose modern Republican stances, Schwarzenegger responded directly. “Yeah, but it doesn’t mean I have to change my philosophy,” he said.
Schwarzenegger also revealed that Trump asked for his endorsement during the 2016 presidential campaign. The two had spoken several times given their prior friendship. However, Schwarzenegger declined over environmental disagreements. “You don’t believe there is climate change. You don’t believe that there’s the threat of pollution,” he recalled telling Trump. He later endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 election.
The actor urged bipartisan cooperation, saying Republicans and Democrats must work together. He referenced his own governorship as an example of cross-party collaboration. Schwarzenegger described the recent midterm results as a “tsunami” rather than a wave. He noted that political control has shifted between parties repeatedly over two decades. “It has been going back and forth for the last 20 years,” he said.
