Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t backing away from his Republican roots, but he’s not happy with what the party has become. Appearing on Real Time With Bill Maher, the former California governor said he still considers himself a “traditional Republican,” comparing his values to those of Abraham Lincoln, the president who ended slavery.
“I’m a traditional Republican… like Lincoln who ended slavery,” Schwarzenegger said. “The party has changed. That doesn’t mean we have to change. We have to fight to get the party back.”
The actor-turned-politician has often taken positions that put him at odds with the modern GOP, especially its shift toward hardline populism in recent years. Schwarzenegger has long supported environmental protections, immigration reform, and bipartisan cooperation—stances that made him a moderate voice during his time in office from 2003 to 2011.
Arnold Schwarzenegger on the current state of the GOP: "I'm a traditional Republican… like Lincoln who made sure that slavery [stopped]… The party has changed. That doesn't mean we have to change. We have to fight to get the party back."
— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) October 18, 2025
Bill Maher: "That's a tall order." pic.twitter.com/fLkuBMAkhn
His latest comments reflect a growing divide among conservatives who feel alienated by the direction of the Republican Party under former President Donald Trump and his allies. Schwarzenegger didn’t name Trump directly, but his words made his position clear.
Throughout his post-political career, Schwarzenegger has repeatedly urged his party to return to its roots in fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, and unity rather than division. He’s also criticized what he sees as the rise of extremism and misinformation, saying those trends threaten the country’s democratic values.
This isn’t the first time Schwarzenegger has spoken out about reclaiming the Republican identity he once championed. In past interviews, he’s said that being a Republican used to mean optimism, inclusion, and faith in the American dream for everyone. “We need to remind people what our party stood for,” he’s said, calling on voters to rebuild it from within.
For Schwarzenegger, the goal isn’t to walk away from the GOP—it’s to bring it back to what he believes it’s supposed to be. “We have to fight to get the party back,” he repeated, echoing the same drive and determination that once defined his career both in Hollywood and in politics.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 3 Step Plan to Save Democracy:
— Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) October 18, 2025
1) Make Election Day a holiday.
2) Have independent redistricting commissions in each state.
3) Voter ID.
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