During the Oslo Freedom Forum, Richard Gere condemned Donald Trump, labeling his administration as 'maniac' and warning of the dangers of democratic decline in the United States. Speaking alongside Venezuelan-Norwegian activist Thor Halvorssen, Gere expressed deep concern over the current political landscape, stating, 'We’re living in the darkest moment that I’ve experienced on this planet.' He attributed this to public apathy, noting that many citizens failed to engage in the democratic process. Gere criticized Trump's actions on his first day in office, which he claimed dismantled vital aspects of the U.S. government. Drawing a chilling parallel to Nazi Germany, he recounted his visit to the Dachau concentration camp, illustrating how quickly good people can become complicit in tyranny. He urged the audience to recognize the signs of rising authoritarianism and to resist complacency, asserting that ignoring these issues is not an option. Gere's remarks serve as a stark reminder of the importance of active civic engagement in safeguarding democracy.