Trump Responds To News Of Robert Redford’s Death

President Donald Trump expressed shock Monday after learning of actor Robert Redford’s death, calling the Oscar winner “great.”

Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House for a trip to the United Kingdom, Trump paused when told Redford had died at 89. (RELATED: Robert Redford Dead At 89)

“This just happened, I guess, wow,” he said. “Robert Redford had a series of years where there was nobody better.”

US actor and director Robert Redford reacts after receiving the Honor award during the 44th edition of the Cesar Film Awards ceremony at the Salle Pleyel in Paris on February 22, 2019. (Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images)

Asked which Redford film stood out to him, Trump said, “I’d say he made a lot of them — I’d say he made seven or eight great movies.”

“There was a period of time when he was the hottest,” Trump continued. “I thought he was great.”

MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 14: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Airport on September 14, 2025 in Morristown, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

When told Redford died in his sleep at his home in Utah, Trump responded, “Well, it’s a good way to go, I guess.”

Redford’s publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed his death in a statement but did not disclose a cause.

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 30: Actor Robert Redford attends the 25th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 30, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Redford was best known for his roles in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “All the President’s Men.” Off screen, he was a committed environmentalist who championed efforts to preserve Utah’s landscape and the American West. He also founded the Sundance Institute, leaving a legacy of acclaimed films and a festival that reshaped independent cinema.