Ron Howard Slams Donald Trump as ‘Unpatriotic’

Ron Howard has slammed President Donald Trump and his administration as unpatriotic.

The Oscar-winning director spoke out against the controversial decision by the White House to ban certain news agencies from the press briefing on Friday.

Quizzed by a TMZ reporter while out for lunch, the 62-year-old discussed the worrying turn of events in U.S. politics, and urged people to understand what they were voting for.

“It’s very disappointing. And strikes me as unpatriotic and in opposition as to what we’re supposed to stand for,” he said of the ban. “I don’t know what to do next. Get ready to vote. Understand why you’re voting, and get out there and vote in the next (election).”

Howard called out Trump on social media in the run up to the U.S. election last year, regularly sharing news articles on the real estate mogul’s controversial behavior.

However, he pleaded with the 45th President of the United States to stick to his campaign promises, and be more transparent, especially in light of reports Trump has been colluding with Russia.

“As a voter, I thought one of the things being presented by the Trump campaign was a new level of transparency, honesty and openness,” he told TMZ. “He kept talking about other politicians being crooked. So, I think the minute he would be open and willingly transparent, I think would mean a lot to voters. I think to those, especially like me — I mean, I didn’t vote for him — but I certainly want the country to be great. And, I’d like him to surprise all of us.”