In a candid interview on the MeidasTouch Podcast, Jon Cryer revisited his bold 2016 claim that Charlie Sheen would make a better president than Donald Trump.
The Two and a Half Men star, now 60, explained why he stood by his statement, even after all these years.
While his comment was made during the early stages of Trump’s political career, Cryer still believes Sheen, despite his well-known struggles, would have been a more competent leader.
Comparing Trump and Sheen’s Political Appeal
Cryer made the comparison between Sheen and Trump during the 2016 presidential race, when Trump was a political newcomer.
He argued that Trump was, in many ways, just like Sheen—a figure who seemed to say whatever came to mind, often without considering the consequences.
“I’ve been shouting from the rooftops that Donald Trump is the Charlie Sheen of politics,” Cryer remarked.
He acknowledged Sheen’s personal issues, especially his past addiction struggles, but noted that Trump’s addiction was different—his addiction was to power and the spotlight.
Revisiting His Words and Adjusting His Perspective
When asked about the comparison during his recent podcast appearance, Cryer explained that, at the time, Sheen’s behavior—full of off-the-cuff comments and controversy—seemed similar to Trump’s unpredictable public persona.
“Charlie would say whatever came to his head, and people loved it, even when he said awful things,” Cryer recalled.
However, he clarified that while Sheen had his issues, he still thought he would have been a better president than Trump.
He added that Trump’s tendency to say anything without consequence was what made the comparison so fitting back then.
The Shift in Cryer’s Perspective
Fast forward to 2025, and Cryer admits that his initial comparison may have been too simplistic.
He now recognizes that Trump’s political persona has evolved.
“The allure of Trump to his supporters is that he just says whatever comes to mind and they call it ‘authentic,'” Cryer said.
However, he also pointed out that this behavior could be likened to the “old guy at the end of the bar who thinks he knows how the world works but is really kind of a loser.”
Despite these reflections, Cryer still stands by his belief that Sheen, with all his flaws, would still be a better option than Trump.
Cryer’s Political Views Stir Controversy
In a separate appearance on Bill Maher’s Club Random Podcast, Cryer made waves with his outspoken political opinions.
He shocked Maher when he explained why Kamala Harris lost to Trump, citing that Republicans’ disdain for Black women and trans people played a major role in her defeat.
The actor argued that Republicans spent vast amounts of money promoting negative narratives about marginalized groups, particularly focusing on issues like trans rights and racial justice.
When Maher expressed disbelief at Cryer’s argument, Cryer doubled down, criticizing the Republican tactics as “disgusting” and claiming they “demonized trans people.”
Maher, visibly stunned, quickly shifted the conversation, signaling an uncomfortable moment for both.
The Future of Cryer’s Political Commentary
While Cryer and Maher agreed to end the political discussion there, it’s clear that Cryer is no stranger to stirring up conversations about his views on politics and society.
His candid commentary, from his comparison of Sheen and Trump to his bold statements about Republican rhetoric, has left many thinking about the deeper social issues he raised.
Whether or not people agree with his opinions, Cryer is certainly not afraid to speak his mind when it comes to the state of politics in America today.