A social media post from Star Wars actor Mark Hamill has ignited a political firestorm after the longtime Trump critic shared an AI-generated image depicting Donald Trump lying in a grave alongside a sharply worded caption. The post quickly drew outrage from the White House, which accused Hamill of contributing to a toxic political climate.
Hamill, best known for playing Mark Hamill in the original Star Wars trilogy, shared the image on Bluesky earlier this week with the caption “If only.” He then wrote that he hoped Trump would live long enough to face political defeat, impeachment, conviction, and what he described as “humiliation” over alleged corruption and misconduct.
The post spread rapidly online, especially given the heightened political tensions surrounding Donald Trump. It also came shortly after reports of another apparent security threat involving the president during the recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.
The White House responded forcefully on X, calling Hamill “one sick individual” and accusing what it described as “Radical Left lunatics” of encouraging dangerous rhetoric.
“This kind of rhetoric is exactly what has inspired three assassination attempts in two years against our President,” the statement read.
Facing mounting criticism, Hamill later deleted the image and attempted to clarify his intentions. In a follow-up Bluesky post, the actor said he had not been wishing death on Trump.
“Actually, I was wishing him the opposite of dead,” Hamill wrote, while also apologizing to anyone who found the image inappropriate.
Hamill has been one of Hollywood’s most outspoken critics of Trump for years. Following Trump’s election victory in 2024, the actor revealed he had considered leaving the United States for Ireland or the United Kingdom. However, he later said his wife convinced him to stay.
Speaking previously to The Times of London, Hamill recalled her response: “I’m surprised you would allow him to force you out of your own country.”
The White House later mocked Hamill’s earlier relocation comments, referencing comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who publicly moved to Ireland after the election.
“Since Mark has decided to stay in the United States, he will get to enjoy the many wins President Trump is securing for the American people,” the White House said in a statement, before joking about his rumored plans to relocate.
