“I Don't Have to Change My Beliefs”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Explains Why He Is Still a Republican

Hollywood star and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared that he still considers himself a Republican, despite how dramatically the party has changed in recent years. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel's show, the actor explained why he has no intention of abandoning his political beliefs and outlined what he believes a true Republican should stand for.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Schwarzenegger, 79, was asked whether he was still a member of the Republican Party.

“Yes, I'm a Republican. Absolutely,” the actor replied.

He explained that, in his view, traditional Republicans are people who value the party for its historic role in fighting to abolish slavery.

Kimmel pointed out that today's Republican Party can hardly expect to receive recognition for that historic achievement.

“But that's history. That's what I stand for. Republicans gave former slaves American citizenship and the right to vote,” Schwarzenegger explained.

The host then suggested that the party's current political positions seemed to contradict many of the values his guest was describing.

“Yes, but that doesn't mean I have to change my philosophy,” the actor responded.

Schwarzenegger stressed that he still follows the political principles of former US President Ronald Reagan. In particular, he recalled that it was under Reagan that California established an air quality board to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

The actor also mentioned Richard Nixon, whose administration established the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to Schwarzenegger, Reagan and Nixon represented a generation of Republicans who knew how to work with Democrats and achieve tangible results.

“That's the kind of Republican I am,” he emphasised.

Kimmel suggested that Schwarzenegger might belong to a gradually disappearing generation of Republicans.

“I don't think I'm the only one left,” the former governor replied. “That doesn't mean we should give up.”

Schwarzenegger then commented on the results of the US midterm elections, which strengthened the Democrats' position.

“Ultimately, we just saw what some people are calling a blue wave. I would call it a tidal wave, or even a tsunami. It's no longer just a wave,” he said.

The actor also noted that American politics has always shifted back and forth: Democrats gain control, power eventually passes to Republicans, and the cycle repeats itself.

Rather than encouraging the ongoing confrontation between Democrats and Republicans, Schwarzenegger called on politicians to work together. He pointed out that this approach had helped him during his time as governor of California.

“Democrats and Republicans have to work together, just as we did when I was governor of California. That's how you get things done — not by constantly blaming each other, pointing fingers and calling each other names,” the actor said.