Sean Penn, the Academy Award-winning actor, has expressed concerns that the most dire outcomes under President Donald Trump could lead to catastrophic consequences for the world. He shared these thoughts during an appearance on the podcast hosted by former CNN anchor Jim Acosta.
During the discussion, Acosta and Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, noted that some global leaders—like Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele—might face severe repercussions from future administrations due to Trump’s pressures. Penn suggested that we should also contemplate alternative negative scenarios, rather than just focusing on who the next president might be.
Penn mentioned that he feels “pride” in Biden for his decisions and described him as “one of the best people I know.”
Penn elaborated, saying that Trump’s self-centered nature could compel him to instigate significant destruction, which he views as both a power move and an expression of intent in his final acts.
When asked by Acosta whether he believed Trump would attempt to hold office after his current term, Penn remarked, “I think he might try to destroy the world before he can extend his life.” Swalwell echoed these sentiments, drawing comparisons between Trump and dictators, indicating that Trump may escalate measures to safeguard himself.
Penn has long been vocal against Trump, labeling him many times as an “enemy of compassion” in previous writings. In an Op-Ed for Time magazine back in 2018, he stated, “President Donald Trump is the enemy of Americans, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and all new children born. He is the enemy of humanity…and of the nation.”
