Jane Fonda takes aim at Trump and defends ‘wokeness’ in SAG Awards speech
Hollywood legend uses her Lifetime Achievement Award moment to call for empathy and resistance
Jane Fonda used her acceptance speech at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards to make a bold statement about empathy, activism, and the current political climate in the U.S. Without directly naming Donald Trump, she took a clear stance against his administration and defended the idea of ‘wokeness’ as caring for others.
Jane Fonda has never shied away from controversy. Throughout her decades-long career, the 87-year-old actress has been an outspoken activist on issues ranging from civil rights to climate change. In the 1960s, she supported the Black Panthers and the Civil Rights Movement, drawing criticism from conservative circles. Her visit to North Vietnam during the Vietnam War in 1972 earned her the nickname “Hanoi Jane” and remains a point of contention in discussions about her legacy.
Despite the backlash over the years, Fonda has continued to use her platform to advocate for social justice, making her SAG Awards speech just the latest in a long line of political statements.
What Jane Fonda said at the SAG Awards
During Sunday’s ceremony, Fonda accepted the SAG Life Achievement Award with a speech that blended gratitude with a call to action. She started with humor, saying:
“Thank you SAG AFTRA. Your enthusiasm makes this seem less like a late twilight of my life, and more like a go girl, kick a**. Which is good because I’m not done.”
She then spoke about the importance of understanding others, referencing Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Trump in the 2024 film The Apprentice.
“Though you may hate the behavior of your character, you have to understand and empathize with the traumatized person you’re playing,” she said.
Fonda then directly addressed the growing divide in U.S. politics, defending the term ‘woke’:
“Empathy is not weak or ‘woke.’ And, by the way, ‘woke’ just means you give a damn about other people.”
She warned that difficult times were ahead and urged people to unite despite political differences:
“A whole lot of people are going to be hurt by what’s happening, by what’s coming our way. We are going to need a big tent to resist what’s coming at us.”
“And even if they are of a different political persuasion, we need to call upon our empathy and not judge, but listen from our hearts, and welcome them into our tent. Because we are gonna need a big tent to resist successfully what’s coming at us.”
“Empathy is not weak or woke. By the way, ‘woke’ just means you give a damn about other people”
—Jane Fonda accepting her SAG Lifetime Achievement Award
See the full winners list: https://t.co/1H9Qsgq4hw pic.twitter.com/MzhLgEjdT5
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 24, 2025
Fonda’s speech in today’s political landscape
Fonda’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension in the U.S. Since returning to the White House, Trump has moved quickly to implement controversial policies, including forming the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. Internationally, his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised concerns, especially as he attempts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
With such dramatic shifts taking place, celebrities like Fonda are making their voices heard, urging people to stay engaged and resist policies they see as harmful.
Public reaction
As expected, Fonda’s speech sparked mixed reactions. Supporters praised her for standing up for empathy and inclusivity, while critics accused her of using an entertainment event to push a political agenda. Regardless of opinions, her words have added to the ongoing national conversation about activism, leadership, and the role of public figures in shaping political discourse.
What do you think about Jane Fonda’s speech? Let us know in the comments.
