James Woods says he is leaving the Republican Party and registering as an independent, citing frustration with GOP leadership in Congress.
The outspoken supporter of Donald Trump announced the move on X, accusing some Republican lawmakers of failing to hold Democrats accountable after an effort to investigate Ilhan Omar stalled.
James Woods’ remarks have since gone viral on social media, inciting a mix of concern and mockery for the former Hollywood star.
James Woods Announces Exit From Republican Party In Fiery Post
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Just days after praising Trump as the “greatest president of my lifetime,” actor Woods announced he is leaving the Republican Party to register as an independent, due to the actions of the congressional GOP leadership.
The “Ghosts of Mississippi” star, 78, shared the decision Thursday on X, criticizing Republican lawmakers for blocking a measure to investigate Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, calling some party members “uniparty traitors” for failing to hold the opposition accountable.
“I am done with the Republican Party,” Woods wrote on X. “Between this and Thune’s refusal to pass the SAVE Act, I’m done with these uniparty traitors.”
He continued, “I’m changing my party affiliation to Independent. No wonder President Trump is fighting an uphill battle every day.”
Woods’ post also included a clip of South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, who also criticized her colleagues for not advancing a motion seeking records related to Omar.
The exchange highlights ongoing divisions within the GOP over how aggressively to pursue investigations into political opponents, with some lawmakers warning that moves without solid evidence could backfire.
The Former Movie Star Was Roasted Online Over His Comments About Quitting The Republican Party
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Woods’ remarks about quitting the GOP were met with a mix of mockery and concern from netizens.
One person asked, “NOW YOU’RE DONE! NOW? Oh, please, James, let us know what REALLY MADE you change your boomer a-s now?”
Another joked, “So now James Woods is done with the Republican party… Kind of like Hollywood is done with his acting career.”
“Don’t worry, bro, you’ll always be a c-nt to me,” a third person commented, while a fourth claimed, “This same man will be tweeting in October how we all need to go out and vote Republican in the midterms and/or 2028.”
Amid the mockery, several shared that they agreed with Woods’ criticism of the Republican Party.
Popular MAGA supporter Scott Presler said, “James, I completely understand how you’re feeling. What do these people care about more than anything: power & money. So, let’s start a peaceful pressure campaign to cut off all of their donors & we will withhold our donations until the SAVE America Act is passed.
James Woods’ Shift to Independent Comes Amid Rising Power Of Unaffiliated Voters
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In recent years, Woods, an Oscar-nominated actor, has become known for his outspoken conservative views.
Just last week, he shared a photo of Trump with his cabinet, calling them the “greatest President and greatest Cabinet, certainly in my lifetime.”
The actor has frequently used social media to criticize prominent Democrats, including Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Woods has also claimed that his political views have had professional consequences in Hollywood, stating that he believes he was “blacklisted,” citing fewer acting opportunities and the loss of representation by his former agent.
His decision to now register as an independent comes at a time when unaffiliated voters are playing an increasingly important role in American elections.
According to exit polls from CNN, about 34 percent of voters in the 2024 election identified as independents, placing them just behind Republicans and slightly ahead of Democrats. That group split its support almost evenly, with roughly 46 percent backing Trump and 49 percent supporting Kamala Harris.
The Actor Called President Trump’s Remarks About The Late Rob Reiner ‘Distasteful’
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Despite his strong support for Trump, Woods has occasionally voiced criticism as well.
He called remarks by the president about filmmaker Rob Reiner “distasteful” following a tragedy involving Reiner’s family.
Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home on December 14, and their 32-year-old son Nick was later arrested in connection with the killings.
During an appearance on Jesse Watters’ “Primetime,” Woods spoke warmly about Reiner despite their political differences. He credited the filmmaker with helping revive his career and described him as a “Godsend” in his life.
Woods emphasized that personal respect should not be overshadowed by political disagreements. He said that although he and Reiner held very different views on politics, they both shared a deep love for the United States and respected each other’s patriotism.
He explained: “When people would say to me, ‘What do you think of his politics?’ I would say, ‘I think Rob Reiner is a great patriot.’ Do I agree on many of his ideas on how that patriotism should be enacted, to celebrate the America that we both love? No. He doesn’t agree with me either, but he also respects my patriotism.”
He added: “We had a different path to the same destination, which was a country we both love.”
James Woods Slammed Don Lemon Over Minnesota Church Protest Coverage
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Woods has also drawn attention for other outspoken remarks. In January, he sharply criticized former CNN anchor Don Lemon over coverage of a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota.
While promoting his album “Tombstone Opera,” Woods appeared on “The Megyn Kelly Show” with host Megyn Kelly.
During the interview, both criticized Lemon for following demonstrators into Cities Church, where activists interrupted a worship service while protesting immigration enforcement.
Woods accused Lemon of acting more like an activist than a reporter, describing the veteran broadcaster as a “dingleberry hanging on the a-s of American journalism.”