- Former President Donald Trump issues a statement honoring the late actor and director Robert Redford.
- Redford, a cultural icon and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away at 89 at his Utah home.
- The tribute from a prominent conservative figure underscores Redford's cross-partisan appeal and enduring legacy.
Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Hollywood legend Robert Redford, calling him a "great" figure, following confirmation of the actor's death on September 16, 2025. Redford, 89, died at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by family, according to a statement from his publicist which requested privacy for the family.
Trump's acknowledgment, while brief, highlights the significant cultural weight of Redford's passing. The actor and director was a revered figure whose influence stretched across the political spectrum, known for his starring roles in classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President’s Men," as well as for directing the Oscar-winning "Ordinary People."
Beyond his cinematic achievements, which also earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, Redford was a lifelong activist. His passionate advocacy for environmental issues and Native American rights is being widely recalled in the outpouring of tributes from colleagues, public figures, and fans. Efforts to reach representatives of the Sundance Institute for further comment were not immediately successful.
The death of such a prominent cultural icon has triggered extensive media reflection and public mourning, reminiscent of the passings of other Hollywood legends like Paul Newman. While the event carries no direct implications for financial markets or government policy, analysts note that Redford's legacy, particularly through the institutions he founded, is likely to see a renewed focus and may inspire fresh momentum for the causes he championed.