Josh Brolin Reflects on Former Friendship with Donald Trump — “He Was a Different Guy”
Former Friendship — Then vs. Now
In a candid interview, actor Josh Brolin opened up about the friendship he once had with Donald Trump — a bond formed before Trump’s entrance into politics. Brolin recalled meeting Trump during the production of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), a film in which Trump was originally set to appear before his part was cut. Yahoo+1
Reflecting on that time, Brolin said he “knew a different guy,” implying that the person he once considered a friend seems unrecognizable now. Yahoo News UK+1
On Trump’s Rise and Public Persona
Despite their past, Brolin offered a complex take on Trump’s influence — praising what he sees as his extraordinary skill in marketing. “There is no greater genius than him in marketing,” he asserted, crediting Trump’s success to his ability to tap into people’s insecurities and offer them validation. Yahoo+1
Brolin explored why Trump resonates with so many, suggesting that his appeal goes beyond policies and taps into deeper emotional needs. He argued that Trump’s rise reflects a broader societal longing for recognition and identity — not just political agreement. TheWrap+1
Disillusionment and Criticism
While acknowledging Trump’s public appeal, Brolin did not shy away from criticism. He described Trump’s current influence as “power unmitigated — it’s unregulated,” expressing concern over the concentration of power and its potential misuse. Yahoo News UK+1
Brolin also referenced the pronouncement Trump has made that he intends to stay “forever,” but dismissed it as improbable — saying that even if it came to pass, he would deal with it in that moment. Yahoo+1
Why Brolin Speaks Out Now
For Brolin, the impetus seems to come from more than just his Hollywood roots. Having known Trump before his presidency — when he was simply a billionaire businessman — Brolin’s perspective offers insight into how drastically some relationships and reputations can change.
In talking about this former friendship now, Brolin seems to be making a more general observation: that the public faces of influential figures can mask significant transformations in character.
