Mark Ruffalo Calls out Trump's State of the Union Address: 'We Have Lost Our Way' at Protest Event

Mark Ruffalo has become one of Hollywood's most outspoken critics of Donald Trump's presidency. During a tense political moment, the Marvel actor warned that 'people are afraid' and that the nation that 'we have lost our way,' in a crisis of leadership and morality.

While Donald Trump, now 79, delivered his State of the Union address, a counter-event called 'State of the Swamp' unfolded in Washington, DC. Hollywood stars, activists, and opposition groups gathered to voice their dissent.

Mark Ruffalo appeared at the event via video link. The actor, known for his activism, declared, 'I think for anyone who's paying attention, who isn't deeply involved in an ideological bent, who is willing to look at the things happening in our country, you have to feel like the State of the Union is of trouble.'

'A union that is deeply divided'

'It's a union that is deeply divided, but also widely unified in the fact that where we're headed is not in the right direction,' Ruffalo said.

'People are afraid, they're angry and everything that we had feared from Project 2025 is coming into being.'

He meant the policies and ideological shifts championed by Trump's camp. Ruffalo pointed to the influence of billionaires, legacy corporations, and industries like fossil fuels, pharmaceuticals, and tech giants.

He expressed concern over the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence, warning of a lack of regulation to protect workers.

'Everything is to serve this administration's financial gain and nothing has been to serve the people's gain,' he said.

His message was clear. 'We have lost our way. That's the state of the union.'

The actor called for a 'complete reboot' of democracy, criticising both major parties. 'We need to really rethink what we're doing.'

Ruffalo's history of anti-trump statements

This isn't the first time Ruffalo has gone after Trump.

In January 2026, at the Golden Globes, he called Trump 'the worst human being in the world.' He criticised Trump's disregard for international law, specifically mentioning military actions in Venezuela.

Ruffalo wore a 'Be Good' pin during that event, a tribute to Renee Nicole Good, a victim of an ICE shooting.

Earlier in June 2025, during protests in Manhattan, Ruffalo accused Trump of acting like a 'king and dictator.' He condemned what he called 'aggressive immigration enforcement,' equating Trump to a ruler disregarding the principles of the Founding Fathers. On social media, he called Trump a 'grifter,' accusing him of prioritising the interests of 'billionaire pals' over ordinary Americans.

After Trump's re-election in November 2024, Ruffalo addressed supporters at an ACLU event, acknowledging the setback but urging resilience. 'The progressive movement had 'got our asses kicked,' he admitted, 'but we need to turn our despair into action.'

In July 2024, ahead of the 2024 elections, Ruffalo issued a stark warning about a potential second Trump term. 'It would be an extremist and perverse ideology,' he said.

Celebrity voices join the chorus

Ruffalo isn't alone. Robert De Niro has been equally vocal. De Niro, who headlined the event, called Trump the 'enemy of this country' and a 'wannabe gangster.' The atmosphere was charged, emotional even. De Niro urged Americans to 'resist' and 'get rid of this guy.'

Billie Eilish, along with her brother Finneas, expressed concern about how a second Trump term could threaten reproductive rights and democracy. Bruce Springsteen and U2 have also openly criticised Trump's policies, highlighting the growing celebrity consensus against the former president.

The collective voice of Hollywood seems to be leaning heavily against Trump's influence. Many stars see their platform as a way to protect democratic values and stand up for the vulnerable. Their words resonate with millions of fans worldwide, adding pressure on policymakers and voters alike.