George Takei Compares Trump’s Immigration Actions to WWII Internment Camps

In a recent podcast interview, George Takei, known for his role as Sulu in Star Trek, drew a parallel between President Donald Trump’s approach to deporting undocumented immigrants and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This conversation took place with CNN host Audie Cornish.

Takei, a Japanese American whose family faced internment, expressed concern over the current political climate, suggesting that many people are believing political narratives that he considers to be rooted in misinformation. “Politicians are lying, and people are believing these lies amid the hysteria,” he pointed out. “Now, as a result, many regret their choices and need to voice their concerns.”

He recalled the historical context, noting that after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and imprisonment of Japanese Americans under the pretext of national security.

Takei described the conditions in the internment camps, highlighting the cramped spaces and lack of privacy that families endured. He frequently shares these experiences, emphasizing the importance of remembering such injustices to prevent them from recurring.

In the interview, he mentioned that even revered leaders can be swayed by the fears of their times, citing Roosevelt’s decision influenced by the vulnerability felt on the West Coast during the war. “It’s a lesson in democracy—teachers and librarians hold power in educating society about these truths,” he asserted, indicating that they can help prevent the chaos of political frenzy.

When asked about the current state of politics, Takei expressed concerns over a president leveraging fear for popularity. He referenced discussions from his youth with his father about the importance of speaking out against injustices, reiterating that people need to stand up now, as he feels many are swept up in that same whirlwind of hysteria today.