It has been noted that Barbra Streisand is defending Hollywood stars who speak out about politics, opening up about her friendship with former President Clinton and calling former President Trump a liar in her new memoir via The Hill.
“Yes, I have opinions. And it is my right to express them, just like any other citizen,” the “Funny Girl” actor writes in “My Name is Barbra,” released Tuesday.
“Actually, I think it’s our responsibility,” Streisand, a longtime Democratic supporter and fundraiser, said.
In the book, the 81-year-old EGOT winner questioned the criticism of celebrities who weigh in on politics.
“What is the artist’s political role? Why does it make so many people angry when artists speak out?” she asked.
Artists, Streisand said, can serve as “a country’s conscience.”
“Their work gives us a reflection of the times, and sometimes they challenge us to see what others would prefer to ignore. They can give voice to the voiceless, by speaking up when no one else will,” Streisand wrote.
“That’s why art is the enemy of tyrants and dictators,” she said.
“I believe we all have not only the right, but the responsibility to be politically active and to question authority,” she said.
The legendary performer took aim at several prominent Republicans, including Trump and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.).
“I was appalled by Gingrich,” she wrote.
“Once, he was standing behind me at a state dinner for Tony Blair and said, ‘I’m your fan,’” the singer recalled.
“I just couldn’t help myself. I said, ‘I’m your enemy.’”
Streisand also ripped Trump, saying the 45th president “lies as easily as he breathes.”
“I can’t stand being lied to, and I don’t think the country should be lied to either,” Streisand wrote, before quipping of Trump, “And I just couldn’t comprehend how he could tell all these lies with absolutely no guilt (clearly he’s not Jewish.)”
