Donald Trump's 5 Favorite Movie Stars (And Why He Loves Them)

Donald Trump has never been shy about sharing his opinions - especially when it comes to movies and the stars who made them iconic. Whether he’s talking tough guys in the Wild West or glamorous Hollywood legends, Trump’s taste in movie stars gives us a peek into the kind of larger-than-life personalities he admires. So, who tops his list? Let’s dive into the stars that have earned a thumbs-up from the POTUS.

1. Clint Eastwood: The Ultimate Cowboy Hero

Trump has long admired Clint Eastwood, and it’s easy to see why. The man basically invented the modern cowboy persona - gritty, silent, and completely unbothered. Trump once called “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” his favorite Western, saying, “It’s tough. It’s real. It’s well done. The music is unforgettable. The characters are well developed and sometimes remind me of some of the guys I’ve had to deal with over the years in business. It has no flaws,” according to Movieline.

Clint Eastwood in 1961. Public domain.

2. Jean-Claude Van Damme: The Muscles From Brussels

Here’s where things get a little more unexpected. Trump is a big fan of Jean-Claude Van Damme, especially in “Bloodsport,” the high-octane martial arts flick from 1988. He’s said he enjoys the intensity and excitement of Van Damme’s fight scenes, and let’s face it - nothing says “action hero” like a slow-motion roundhouse kick to the face. Van Damme brings the kind of adrenaline-fueled fun that makes Trump’s movie nights a little more thrilling.

Jean-Claude Van Damme in 2007. Photo by U.S. Air Force, Robbin Cresswell. Public domain.

3. Elizabeth Taylor: Hollywood Royalty

Not all of Trump’s favorite stars are action heroes. He’s also shown admiration for Elizabeth Taylor, the legendary actress known for “Cleopatra,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Taylor’s timeless beauty, her dramatic flair, and her larger-than-life presence likely remind Trump of classic Hollywood glam - something he’s always had a soft spot for.

Studio publicity portrait of Elizabeth Taylor. Photo by Dr. Macro. Public domain.

4. Marlon Brando: The Godfather of Cool

Trump has also expressed deep admiration for Marlon Brando, especially for his roles in “The Godfather” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Brando’s ability to dominate a scene and fully become his character seems to strike a chord with Trump, who values strength and presence both on and off the screen. Complex, commanding, and always memorable - Brando fits the Trump aesthetic to a T.

Marlon Brando in a publicity photo for the film “One-Eyed Jacks” (1961). Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures. Public domain.

5. Robert Duvall: Tough but Classy

Another “Godfather” alum on Trump's list? Robert Duvall. Known for his roles in “Apocalypse Now,” “Tender Mercies,” and - of course - “The Godfather,” Duvall brings a unique blend of toughness and refinement. Trump has praised Duvall’s versatility, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether he’s playing a war-hardened colonel or a small-town country singer, Duvall delivers every time.

Robert Duvall, 2007. Photo by David Shankbone under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Big Stars, Big Personalities

Trump’s favorite celebrities all have one thing in common - they know how to command attention. Whether it’s through sheer charisma, dramatic talent, or sheer physical power, these stars reflect the kind of bold, take-charge energy Trump gravitates toward. Love him or hate him, the man knows what he likes. And when it comes to Hollywood, he likes it big, bold, and unforgettable.

References: Donald Trump’s Favorite Actors and Actresses: Icons He Admires | Donald Trump chooses his favorite Western: Clint Eastwood will be more than satisfied