Trump Claims ‘Hollywood Discriminates Against Our People’ During CPAC Speech

During his longwinded, two-hour speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Donald Trump trailed off several times. The president covered the criticisms he must have known would tickle his Republican audience; the alleged illegitimacy of the Russia investigation, a taunting impersonation of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. However, Trump also used the performance to accuse Hollywood and the Academy Awards of discriminating against conservatives, which Trump referred to as “our people.” 

While discussing his recent visit to Iraq, he said he met with generals who he said would be ideal candidates for “central casting.” The president then described a drill sergeant who had been asked to consult on a film, and when he advised to the liking of the film’s executives, he was cast in the movie. According to Trump, he should have won an Oscar for his role in the film. However, he didn’t. “That’s because Hollywood discriminates against our people,” the president told his crowd of supporters. 

Although he failed to name the drill sergeant he believes to be worthy of an Academy Award; Variety reports that Trump may be referring to R. Lee Ermey, who worked on and starred in the film Full Metal Jacket. After consulting on the film, whose premise is centered around American soldiers during the Vietnam War, Ermey earned himself a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. The actor and veteran was cast in other films following his critically acclaimed performance, including Apocalypse Now. 

In addition to the comments about conservatives in popular culture, the president sparked reactions for the number of questionable statements — and his bizarre hugging of the American flag — during the event. In addition to his signature jabs, Trump claimed that anyone who disagrees with him is un-American, and asserted that certain politicians hate the United States. The president included a conspiracy rant about the relationship between Special Counsel Robert Mueller and former FBI Director James Comey.