At the 2017 Golden Globes, Meryl Streep delivered a powerful speech that subtly but firmly confronted then-President Donald Trump’s conduct, highlighting the importance of empathy and kindness without resorting to insults. While accepting the Cecil B. deMille Award, Streep reflected on many memorable performances from the past year but singled out one moment that profoundly affected her—the incident where the future president mocked a disabled journalist. The Meryl Streep Trump speech stood out for its calm yet biting critique amid a climate of escalating political tension.
Streep recalled,
“It sank its hooks in my heart, not because it was good. There was nothing good about it, but it was effective, and it did its job,”
referring to Trump’s imitation of New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who has arthrogryposis. She described the scene as,
“that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter.”
The actor expressed heartbreak over this behavior coming from someone poised for immense power, emphasizing how such actions create a harmful ripple effect across society.
“It filters down into everybody’s life because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing,”
Streep explained. She further asserted,
“When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose,”
highlighting the broader consequences of abuse of authority.
Trump’s Sharp Retaliation Sparks Further Controversy
Unsurprisingly, Donald Trump quickly responded to Streep’s remarks with public insults via X, formerly known as Twitter. He dismissed Streep as
“one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood,”
accusing her of attacking him despite not knowing him personally. Trump also labeled her a “Hillary flunky who lost big,” seemingly referencing his 2016 election victory, though the comment ignored Streep’s ongoing recognition for her significant artistic achievements.
This verbal exchange underscored the tension between Streep’s measured critique and Trump’s confrontational style. The president’s reaction reflected his intolerance for public figures who challenged him directly, particularly when their challenge was delivered without personal attacks.
Additional Pushback From Trump Allies
It was not only Trump who took offense. Kellyanne Conway, his former senior counselor, also criticized Meryl Streep’s speech during an appearance on Fox News. Conway argued that Streep should have used her platform to encourage support for the new president, regardless of personal opinions, rather than calling him out publicly. This added a political dimension to the backlash, emphasizing the divide in responses to Streep’s call for empathy over hostility.
Streep’s Graceful Response and Enduring Influence
Despite the attacks, Streep maintained her composure and responded to the criticism without insults. While accepting the Human Rights Campaign’s National Ally for Equality Award later that year, she humorously addressed Trump’s insult by saying,
“I am the most overrated and most […] overdecorated, and currently, currently, I am the most over-berated actress […] of my generation. But that’s why you invited me here, right?”
She acknowledged the courage required to speak truth to power amid the risk of backlash but affirmed her commitment to standing by her beliefs. This stance not only reinforced the message of her Golden Globes speech but also underscored the role artists and public figures can play in challenging bullying and advocating for justice.
Meryl Streep’s 2017 speech remains a memorable moment in the intersection of entertainment and politics, demonstrating the power of measured words and moral clarity in the face of divisive leadership. Her call to reject cruelty and embrace compassion continues to resonate, reminding audiences that influence can be wielded responsibly without resorting to nastiness.
Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesn't know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes. She is a…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2017
Hillary flunky who lost big. For the 100th time, I never "mocked" a disabled reporter (would never do that) but simply showed him…….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2017
