Josh Brolin recently opened up about his past friendship with Donald Trump, offering an unexpected perspective on the former president’s abilities, particularly in the realm of marketing. Known for his diverse roles in Hollywood—including his Oscar-nominated performance in Milk and his starring role in No Country for Old Men—Brolin reflected candidly on knowing Trump before he ventured into politics and became the GOP leader.
In a detailed interview with The Independent while promoting his latest film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Brolin described meeting a "different guy" than the politically charged figure seen today. They first crossed paths after filming Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps in 2010, when Trump was still primarily a New York real estate mogul. Despite distancing his film character, Monsignor Wicks—a megalomaniac church leader—from any direct Trump inspiration, Brolin acknowledged some parallels could be drawn to a certain brand of greed and ambition.
One of the most striking remarks Brolin made was his assessment of Trump as a marketing genius. He emphasized that Trump’s unmatched skill lies in identifying vulnerabilities within the general population and capitalizing on them, giving people a figure—a “mascot”—to rally around. Brolin said, “There is no greater genius than him in marketing,” pointing out that Trump’s success stems less from himself and more from the public’s own desires for validation.
Brolin also expressed a nuanced view on Trump’s business legacy, acknowledging the controversies and potential corruption amid his many ambitious projects. Reflecting on the 1970s New York City skyline, Brolin found it intriguing how Trump managed to erect towering developments in what was then considered a “cesspool city.” This, the actor remarked, marked the beginning of “power unmitigated, unregulated.”
Despite their past friendship and Brolin’s respect for Trump’s business acumen, the actor doesn’t shy away from the complexities of their relationship. He has openly stated he’s “not scared of Trump,” implying a readiness to face whatever political future may come, even if Trump’s hold on power appears uncertain.
Interestingly, Brolin’s views have evolved over time. While he once found Trump’s economic turnaround efforts in Manhattan “fascinating,” he distanced himself politically by describing himself as a “conservative Democrat.” Ahead of the 2020 election, Brolin publicly critiqued Trump on social media, rejecting the notion that Trump represented American masculinity.
Josh Brolin’s reflections provide a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics behind one of the most polarizing figures in recent history. His recognition of Trump’s marketing prowess stands out as an insightful, if somewhat conflicted, appraisal—highlighting how charisma and understanding the public psyche can drive a complex figure to the pinnacle of both business and politics.
As discussions about Trump’s legacy continue to unfold, Brolin’s candid commentary reminds us that beyond the headlines, there are multifaceted relationships and perspectives shaping the narratives around public figures. Whether friend, critic, or fascinated observer, Brolin’s unique take on Trump sheds light on the marketing genius behind the man—and the deeper societal needs that genius exploits.
