URGENT UPDATE: Arnold Schwarzenegger has officially declared that he is still a “traditional Republican,” despite acknowledging significant changes within the Republican Party. In a revealing interview with Bill Maher on “Real Time,” the former Governor of California emphasized the need to reclaim the party’s foundational values.
During the episode aired on August 25, 2025, Maher challenged Schwarzenegger about whether the party he once embraced still aligns with his original beliefs. “You think that’s still the party?” Maher asked, highlighting the apparent shift in the GOP’s ideology.
Schwarzenegger, who served as California’s last Republican governor from 2003 to 2011, responded emphatically, stating, “Bill, things change. It’s very clear that it has changed. I’m a traditional Republican.” He drew attention to the historical achievements of prominent Republican figures, including Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan, stressing their roles in advancing civil rights.
“I’m the kind of a Republican – like Lincoln, who made sure that slavery stops… Republicans did that,”
Schwarzenegger asserted, underlining a stark contrast to the current GOP landscape. He insisted that while the party has evolved, traditional values must be preserved. “The party has changed now…but that doesn’t mean that we have to change,” he continued, urging members to “fight to get the party back and to get the philosophy back.”
Reflecting on his upbringing in Austria, Schwarzenegger shared personal anecdotes of witnessing socialism firsthand. Maher recalled Schwarzenegger’s impactful speech at the Republican National Convention in 2004, where the actor-turned-politician highlighted his journey from a war-torn Europe to American politics.
In a call for unity, Schwarzenegger emphasized the importance of bipartisanship, stating, “People should know that it is important that we serve the people, not the parties.” He recalled his collaborative efforts with Democrats during his tenure in Sacramento, noting, “I may think differently than you sometimes, but you are not my enemy.”
Schwarzenegger’s comments come at a critical time as California faces challenges related to redistricting. He criticized Governor Gavin Newsom‘s Proposition 50, which aims to allow the state legislature to redraw congressional maps, potentially undermining the independent redistricting commission he championed.
As Schwarzenegger continues to advocate for traditional Republican values, his message resonates with many who seek a return to a more inclusive and constructive political dialogue. “We have to go talk to each other, rather than hating each other,” he concluded, emphasizing the necessity for cooperation in addressing the needs of the public.
This urgent declaration from Schwarzenegger is sure to spark conversations among Republicans and political observers alike. As the landscape of American politics shifts, many are left wondering what this means for the future of the GOP.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
