Streep’s Golden Globes Critique of Trump Echoes Through Political Landscape
President Donald Trump continues to be a central figure in global politics, with his policies since taking office in January 2025 sparking widespread debate and varied reactions. While his second term has drawn considerable attention, opposition to his views extends back to his initial rise to prominence.
In January 2017, at the Golden Globe Awards, Meryl Streep delivered a powerful critique of then-President-elect Trump, demonstrating how effective criticism can be conveyed with respect and without resorting to personal attacks. Accepting the Cecil B. DeMille award, Streep focused on a specific incident that had deeply affected her.
Streep recounted being struck by a moment during the 2016 presidential campaign, not because of its quality, but because of its impact. “It sank its hooks in my heart, not because it was good,” she explained. “There was nothing good about it, but it was effective, and it did its job. It made its intended audience laugh and show their teeth.”
She specifically referenced an instance where a candidate mocked a disabled reporter. “It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter,” Streep stated, without naming Trump directly.
Reports indicate that the incident Streep referenced occurred at one of Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, where he appeared to mimic New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who has arthrogryposis. Arthrogryposis is a congenital joint contracture affecting multiple areas of the body, derived from the Greek words meaning “curving of joints.” Many observers interpreted Trump’s gestures as a deliberate attempt to ridicule Kovaleski.
Streep’s speech went beyond simply recounting the incident. She warned of the broader implications of such behavior, stating, “It filters down into everybody’s life because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing.” She emphasized the responsibility of those in power, asserting, “When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose.”
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, though Streep’s remarks also drew criticism from some Trump supporters and sparked backlash on social media. Trump himself responded swiftly, calling Streep “one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood” and labeling her a “Hillary flunky.” This response, in turn, generated further debate, and discussion.
Streep, a highly decorated actress with three Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, nine Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actor Guild Awards, later addressed Trump’s comments while accepting the Human Rights Campaign’s National Ally for Equality Award. She responded with humor, stating, “I am the most overrated and most overdecorated, and currently the most over-berated actress of my generation.”
She acknowledged the potential intimidation associated with speaking out against powerful figures but underscored the importance of staying true to one’s convictions. Streep’s 2017 Golden Globes speech remains a significant moment, illustrating the power of respectful yet firm criticism in the face of perceived injustice and the lasting impact of leadership conduct.
