Richard Gere Discusses Democracy and Politics at Oslo Freedom Forum

Actor Richard Gere spoke at the Oslo Freedom Forum in Norway on June 4, 2026, where he addressed concerns about the state of democracy in the United States. In a conversation with human rights activist Thor Halvorssen, Gere expressed his worries about political apathy and the potential for history to repeat itself. He stated, 'We’re living in the darkest moment that I’ve experienced on this planet,' and emphasized the importance of civic engagement, noting that many people, including himself, did not do enough to oppose the election of Donald Trump. Gere drew a parallel between the current political climate and historical events, referencing his visit to the Dachau concentration camp to illustrate how quickly societal changes can occur. He urged the audience to remain vigilant and not to become complacent, stating, 'Good people turned into monsters,' and highlighting the need to recognize warning signs of authoritarianism.