Arnold Schwarzenegger has revealed why he turned down a personal request from Donald Trump despite their years-long friendship. The Hollywood star recalled how Trump approached him for an endorsement during his first presidential campaign, but their political differences ultimately got in the way.
The former California governor shared the details during his November 11 appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He explained that he had enjoyed a close relationship with Trump before the businessman entered the political spotlight.
However, Schwarzenegger said his friend’s views on certain issues were too difficult to overlook. He even recalled questioning Trump’s position during an uncomfortable conversation that ended with him refusing to support the future president.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals Donald Trump’s Personal Request Before Presidential Election
According to Yahoo Entertainment, Schwarzenegger discussed his relationship with Trump during Wednesday’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The “Terminator” star revealed that he and Trump had been close friends during the 2016 presidential election.
“We had a good relationship; we were very good friends,” Schwarzenegger recalled. He explained that Trump personally approached him with a request to endorse his campaign. The future president also wanted the actor to join him on the campaign trail.
Despite their friendship, Schwarzenegger was reluctant to agree. He reportedly told Trump that he valued their relationship but could not support certain positions he had taken.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Recalls Asking Trump ‘Are You Crazy?’
Schwarzenegger revealed that Trump’s views on climate change and pollution played a major role in his decision. The former governor has spent years campaigning for environmental protection and cleaner air.
“I said, ‘You don’t believe there is climate change. You don’t believe the threat of pollution,'” the Austrian former bodybuilder recalled. “I said, ‘I know. I’ve worked on that issue for so many years. Pollution kills 7 million people and you want to ignore that?’ I say, ‘Are you crazy?’ I say, ‘So, I cannot do that. I cannot go with you because of that issue alone.'”
Even though he considered Trump a friend, the environmental issue alone was enough to convince him not to endorse the presidential campaign. The Hollywood star had previously discussed the disagreement in a 2025 CNN interview.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Previously Backed Donald Trump’s Political Rival
Schwarzenegger’s disagreement with Trump eventually became a recurring feature of their political relationship. Although both men were Republicans, the former governor continued to distance himself from Trump’s positions.
In 2016, Schwarzenegger publicly announced that he would not vote for the Republican presidential nominee. The decision marked the first time he had refused to support his party’s candidate since becoming an American citizen in 1983.
Years later, the actor took another notable political position ahead of the 2024 presidential election. He announced his support for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz.
As The Independent reported, Schwarzenegger said he had serious disagreements with both major parties. However, he believed Harris was the better choice for the country at the time.
‘Terminator’ Star Insists He Is Still A Republican Despite Differences With Trump
Despite his refusal to support Trump, Schwarzenegger insisted that he had not abandoned the Republican Party. During his conversation with Jimmy Kimmel, he explained that he still identified with the party’s traditional principles.
“I’m a Republican. Absolutely,” he told the late-night host. According to Rolling Stone, Schwarzenegger pointed to former Republican presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon as examples of the political philosophy he continues to support.
He praised their environmental policies and argued Republicans had previously worked with Democrats to address major national issues.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Calls for Political Cooperation After Trump Fallout
Schwarzenegger also used his appearance to discuss the wider problems facing American politics. He expressed frustration with the lack of progress on issues such as immigration, healthcare, and the national debt. The actor reportedly argued that neither political party could solve the country’s biggest problems without working together.
“What you have to do is the Democrats and the Republicans have to work together like we did when I was governor of California. We work together,” he said.
His latest comments come as he continues to promote his new Christmas movie, “The Man with the Bag.” The actor appeared on Kimmel’s show to discuss the film before the conversation turned to his political views and past friendship with Trump.
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