On Saturday, June 14 — which also happens to be former President Donald Trump’s birthday — amid the “No Kings” protests across the United States against the concentration of power and authoritarianism, Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo sent a clear political message.
During an intimate conversation with veteran journalist Katie Couric at the Tribeca Festival Storytellers, Pompeo, 55, did not hesitate to express her personal political views, especially on the role of women in society and the current male dominance in politics.
“The simplest answer is: We need more women in positions of power and leadership,” the actress said, according to a Variety report. She continued in a sarcastic but insightful tone: “These men are always angry. What’s going on? I don’t understand. Eat something, smoke a joint, relax. What’s wrong? They always want to fight, they always want to drop bombs on each other.”
Pompeo did not hesitate to highlight the differences between men and women in their approach to power and decision-making, arguing that women possess “emotional intelligence” – an element she said is sorely lacking in many male-dominated governments and organizations. Taking aim at the Trump administration, she said: “We are dealing with a huge amount of emotional intelligence deficiency and ego. I’m not talking about all men, of course – sorry, I still love you.”
The actress also expressed deep skepticism about the real benefits of wars and aggressive foreign policies. “What is the result? Dead soldiers, ruined cities, bombs. All for what? Maybe just to make some leaders feel like they have absolute power. But how long does that last? It’s a kind of euphoria that can’t be sustained. This kind of aggression can’t last unless you destroy everything. It’s like Jim Jones and the call to drink the Kool-Aid and say goodbye.”
This is not the first time Ellen Pompeo has publicly expressed her opposition to Donald Trump and what she considers outdated norms in American politics. Previously, in March, when participating in The View, she also made sarcastic statements when discussing the humane message in the documentary series she produced – The Curious Case of Natalia Grace.
“I think we, as humans, are lacking empathy. And I hope viewers can feel that through the film,” Pompeo shared. “I just want to ask: Why are old white men the only ones allowed to be criminals?”
Ellen Pompeo’s outspoken, unabashed statements have cemented her image as an artist who has not only succeeded in her acting career but is also willing to use her voice to fight for justice, progress and gender equality in society.
