Monty Python legend Eric Idle didn’t mince words when expressing his disdain for Donald Trump during an interview with The Guardian. The 83-year-old comedian labeled the former president a “treasonous monster” and criticized the media’s obsession with him in the United States.
Idle, best known for Holy Grail and Life of Brian, remarked that Trump’s seemingly endless capacity for “stupidity” leaves little to laugh at. He revealed that he escapes to France every summer to avoid the constant barrage of Trump-related news in the US.
Comedians Face Growing Scrutiny and Creative Limits in Trump-Era United States, Says Idle
Idle voiced concern about the state of comedy in the United States under Trump-era politics. In response to a question from actor Catherine Zeta-Jones, he commented on the increasing scrutiny comedians face when entering the country. He claimed that authorities now question comedians at the border and monitor their phones for anti-Trump content. This atmosphere, he suggested, is chilling for satire and creative freedom, particularly for politically outspoken artists.
Eric Idle Slams Trump as a “Treasonous Monster,” Says Satire Is Dying Under His InfluenceReflecting on his nearly three decades of residence in Los Angeles, Idle remarked that he would consider it an honor to be expelled from the US for political reasons. He drew a parallel to Charlie Chaplin, another English comedian and filmmaker who was exiled in the 1950s amid accusations of communist sympathies. Idle noted that to be removed from the US in protest or disagreement would place him in “very select company,” indicating both pride and frustration at the political climate.
Trump’s Influence Makes Satire Harder, Say Monty Python’s Idle and Gilliam
Idle isn’t the only Monty Python member critical of Trump. Terry Gilliam, another founding member, also blamed Trump for changing the direction of satire. In a separate interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gilliam said that Trump had “destroyed” satire by turning reality itself into a parody.
He explained that Trump’s return disrupted his most recent project, The Carnival at the End of Days, a satirical film about the apocalypse. According to Gilliam, Trump’s chaotic presence has shaken societal norms, making it much harder for satire to remain sharp and impactful.
Both Idle and Gilliam highlight a broader struggle for comedians trying to remain relevant and incisive in a world increasingly shaped by extreme political figures. Idle’s remarks reflect deep dissatisfaction with the current state of American politics and media, while also expressing concern for the artistic liberties that comedy relies upon.
Whether through satire or candid critique, both performers emphasize that Trump’s influence extends beyond politics, casting a long shadow over freedom of expression and the future of comedic storytelling.