James Woods Is Done With the Republican Party
James Woods has had enough.
The 78-year-old actor and vocal Trump supporter announced on March 6 that he's leaving the Republican Party after decades as a registered member — and he didn't exactly go quietly.
"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."
Woods, who grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island and is best known for his roles in films like "Once Upon a Time in America" and "Salvador," has been a registered Republican since the Clinton era. He's now switching his affiliation to Independent.
What Set Him Off
Two things pushed Woods over the edge — and both come down to what he sees as congressional Republicans failing to follow through.
The first was Senate Majority Leader John Thune's handling of the SAVE Act — the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. The bill has been a priority for conservatives and a flashpoint for critics who argue it could suppress legitimate voters. For Woods, Thune's reluctance to push it forward was a breaking point.
The second was a video he reposted of Republican Rep. Nancy Mace describing how her fellow party members shot down her motion to subpoena Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar's immigration records. That was apparently the last straw.
He's Not Flipping Left
Before anyone reads too much into this — Woods was crystal clear about where he stands.
"I will NEVER vote for a Democrat in my life," he posted on March 8, "but the RINO elements destroying the Republican party are a disgrace."
He described himself as "a devout follower of President Trump" and said that as an Independent, he plans to keep voting with Republicans — when they actually act like Republicans. In his view, too many in the party have drifted into what he calls "uniparty" territory, more interested in playing it safe than backing the president's agenda.
This isn't a political pivot. It's a protest.
A Longtime Trump Loyalist
Woods has never been quiet about his politics, and his support for Trump runs deep. As recently as February 28, he posted that Trump is the greatest president "certainly in my lifetime" — a sentiment consistent with years of vocal backing across his social media platforms.
He's been equally loud about those on the other side, regularly calling out California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, among others. His X account has essentially functioned as a conservative commentary feed for years, with a following that hangs on his outspoken takes.
For a man this publicly aligned with Trump and the MAGA movement, ditching the Republican label isn't a small thing. It's a signal — aimed directly at the party establishment — that loyalty has limits.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.