Josh Brolin, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in blockbuster films and critically lauded dramas, once shared a surprising connection with a figure now dominating global headlines: Donald Trump. Their paths first crossed fifteen years ago on the set of Oliver Stone’s “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” a meeting that blossomed into an unlikely friendship.
Brolin remembers Trump as a different man then, before the ascent into politics reshaped his public persona. He describes his former friend with a striking, and perhaps controversial, assessment: a “marketing genius.” Brolin believes Trump possesses an uncanny ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities within the broader population, offering a sense of belonging to those who feel overlooked.
The actor doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the shift in their relationship. As Trump transitioned from real estate mogul to presidential candidate, and ultimately, President, the two drifted apart. Brolin now states plainly that he is “no longer friends” with Trump and his wife, Melania.
Despite the fractured relationship, Brolin insists he harbors no fear of his former friend. He acknowledges the ongoing speculation surrounding potential attempts to circumvent term limits, but remains resolute. He believes the current political climate reveals more about a collective need for validation than about Trump himself.
Brolin recalls a particularly poignant moment during a visit to Trump’s New York City apartment, where Trump revealed he had watched the unfolding tragedy of 9/11 from that very location. It’s a memory that underscores the complex and layered nature of the man Brolin once knew.
Now starring in the latest installment of the “Knives Out” franchise, Brolin reflects on the allure of power, a theme that resonates with his current role and his observations of Trump’s rise. He suggests that once a person tastes power, boundaries begin to dissolve.
The actor, who received an Oscar nomination for his performance in “Milk,” offers a candid perspective, born from personal experience. He presents a nuanced view of a man who, despite their diverging paths, left a lasting impression.
