Jane Fonda Takes Aim at Billionaires, AI and Trump at Venice Film Festival

Jane Fonda delivered a fiery speech at the DVF Awards during the Venice Film Festival, taking aim at billionaires, technology leaders, artificial intelligence and the Trump administration.

The 88-year-old actress and longtime activist spoke to a star-studded audience about what she described as growing threats to democracy, the environment and ordinary people.

Fonda sharply criticized wealthy tech leaders who, she said, believe they can escape the limits that apply to everyone else.

“They want to live forever while they kill everyone else,” Fonda said.

She went on to mock what she described as the ambitions of some technology billionaires to extend human life and reshape society through technology.

Fonda also raised concerns about artificial intelligence and the rapid expansion of data centers. She warned that AI could affect people's jobs and lives on a massive scale, while data centers are increasingly being built close to residential communities.

“AI could take absolutely everything away,” she said, arguing that more people are beginning to push back as they see the effects of new technology in their own communities.

‘I’m not afraid’

Fonda, who has spent decades campaigning on political and environmental issues, also spoke about her willingness to challenge President Donald Trump and his administration.

“I’ve already lived my life. Trump can’t do anything to me. I’m not afraid,” she said.

She urged the audience to support the First Amendment Committee, an organization she founded, as she called for stronger protection of free speech and political expression.

According to Fonda, more Americans are becoming willing to speak out because they feel that fundamental issues affecting their lives are at stake.

She also claimed that dissatisfaction is spreading beyond traditional political divisions, saying even some supporters of the MAGA movement are unhappy with what they see as political chaos and leaders benefiting from the suffering of others.

A warning about the future

Fonda's remarks reflected the broader themes that have shaped her activism in recent years: climate change, inequality, democracy and the social impact of technology.

Her comments at the Venice event were particularly pointed, presenting a stark warning about a future in which powerful technology companies and wealthy individuals could have an outsized influence over society.

Despite the challenges she outlined, Fonda ended on a defiant note. Her message was that public pressure and political engagement can still force change — and that people should not be afraid to challenge those in power.