Dwayne Johnson rejects political discourse, cites frustration with ‘slinging’

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has said he is stepping away from public political discussion, expressing frustration with what he describes as constant negativity and “slinging” in political discourse.

Speaking in a recent interview with Esquire for its Summer Issue cover story, the 54-year-old actor and former professional wrestler said he has decided to keep his political views private so he can focus on storytelling and creative work.

“What I have learned through experience is that I need to keep — need, not want — the main thing the main thing,” Johnson said. “And the main thing for me, the thing that in the morning I swing my legs out of bed and I run towards, is creating. It’s art. It’s storytelling. I’ve learned I’m going to keep my politics to myself.”

Johnson Is Focused on Creativity and Balance

Johnson added that while he is open to conversation and differing viewpoints, he does not want to be drawn into constant political confrontation.

“There are moments when, ‘Hey, there’s nothing we can’t talk about. If I’m wrong, I’ll tell you I’m wrong. Or if I feel like I got a leg up and this is the right way to go, I’ll share it with you,’” he said.

However, he stressed that his priority remains his work in entertainment rather than political debate.

Frustration With Political Culture

Johnson also voiced frustration with the tone of modern political discourse, saying it often feels divisive and exhausting.

“Politics is omnipresent and it’s forever,” he said. “I don’t like it. I hate it at times. I hate the slinging. I hate all the bulls— that comes with it.”

Comments Follow Bruce Springsteen Discussion

The interview came after Johnson was asked about Bruce Springsteen’s recent politically charged comments directed at Donald Trump during his ongoing tour.

Johnson suggested that direct conversation would be more constructive than public confrontation.

“My first thought… was, ‘Oh, then why don’t they talk? They should sit down and talk,’” he said. “I don’t know where that goes, but I do know that’s an important step.”

Previous Political Endorsement and Shift in Approach

Johnson, who identifies as an Independent, previously endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 US presidential election but said in 2024 that he would not endorse any candidate again.

He said his earlier endorsement contributed to division and was something he later reconsidered.

“The endorsement that I made years ago with Biden was what I thought was the best decision for me at that time,” he told Fox News host Will Cain. “But what I realised that what that caused back then was something that tears me up in my guts… which is division.”

He added that he now believes political decisions should remain personal.

“I’m not going to do that,” he said. “I’m going to keep my politics to myself, and I think it’s between me and the ballot box.”

Reflection on Public Debate and Authenticity

Johnson has previously spoken out against political violence and called for unity in public life, while also acknowledging the pressures of public opinion.

He said he now prioritises authenticity over approval.

“To be real and to be direct and to be open and to be transparent… that’s important to me,” he said. “In today’s easy cancel culture world and woke culture, this culture, that culture division, etc., that really bugs me.”

He added that he accepts that honesty can sometimes lead to backlash.

“You either succumb and be what you think other people want you to be, or you go, ‘No, that’s not who I am. I’m going to be myself and I’m going to be real,’” he said. “If you ask me something, a real answer is important… and that may get people upset and p— people off. And that’s okay.”