Jane Fonda’s Activism: From Vietnam Protests to Resisting Trump
Jane Fonda’s activism has spanned over five decades, significantly impacting her public persona alongside her Hollywood career. Beginning in the 1970s, Fonda became a prominent voice against the Vietnam War and continues to be a fierce advocate for various causes today.
Jane Fonda’s Early Activism: Vietnam Protests
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Jane Fonda was one of the Vietnam War’s most visible celebrity opponents. She utilized her platform to challenge U.S. military policies and highlight the consequences of the conflict. Her activism reached a peak during a controversial trip to North Vietnam in July 1972.
- Fonda documented bombing damage during her two-week stay in Hanoi.
- She broadcasted anti-war messages on North Vietnamese radio.
- Photographs from the trip led to her being labeled “Hanoi Jane.”
Fonda later expressed regret for the photograph of her on an anti-aircraft gun but insisted her opposition was aimed at U.S. political leadership rather than the troops. In 1988, she publicly apologized, reflecting on her actions as “thoughtless and careless.”
Support for Native American Activists
During the 1970s, Fonda also supported young Native American activists during the Occupation of Alcatraz and co-founded the Indochina Peace Campaign, promoting the cessation of U.S. military interventions in Vietnam.
Advocacy for Women’s Rights
In the 1980s and 1990s, Jane Fonda expanded her activism to include women’s rights. In 1984, she co-founded the Hollywood Women’s Political Committee (HWPC) alongside Barbra Streisand and other women in entertainment.
- The HWPC played a crucial role in mobilizing political support for progressive candidates.
- It contributed to the Democratic control of the Senate in 1986.
- 1992 was celebrated as the “Year of the Woman,” with a record number of women elected to legislative positions.
In 2005, Fonda joined forces with feminist leaders to establish the Women’s Media Center (WMC), aimed at increasing women’s representation in media and addressing long-standing inequalities.
Climate Change Advocacy and Arrests
In 2019, Jane Fonda relocated to Washington, D.C., and initiated Fire Drill Fridays, a series of climate change demonstrations aimed at encouraging lawmakers to adopt bold policies, such as a Green New Deal.
- The first rally occurred on October 11, 2019.
- Fonda was arrested multiple times for civil disobedience during these actions.
Fire Drill Fridays emphasized collective political engagement over individual lifestyle changes. Fonda’s advocacy began to encompass Indigenous land rights and rainforest protection initiatives as well.
Recent Engagements and Resistance
At the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards in February 2025, Fonda received the Lifetime Achievement Award and used her acceptance speech to call for political involvement. She emphasized empathy as a source of strength amid rising authoritarianism in the U.S.
In 2026, during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Fonda condemned the government’s actions under leadership perceived as authoritarian. She urged citizens to hold their government accountable, expressing concerns about illegal deportations and the treatment of Americans by their own government.
Jane Fonda’s dedication to activism, from her early opposition to the Vietnam War to contemporary struggles against authoritarianism, underscores her enduring commitment to social justice issues.
