Editor’s Note: This story was originally reported in June 2021 and is being republished due to continued public interest.
During a heated appearance on Fox News, former Trump adviser Stephen Miller sharply criticized actress and activist Jane Fonda, branding her actions during the Vietnam War as treasonous and unforgettable. Fonda, now 83, has recently gained attention for her environmental activism, particularly her opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline—but Miller redirected the spotlight back to her controversial past.
Miller, speaking on the network, openly denounced Fonda’s trip to North Vietnam in the 1970s, calling it an outright betrayal of the United States. He pointed to her participation in North Vietnamese propaganda efforts, including radio broadcasts and a widely criticized photo of her sitting atop an enemy anti-aircraft gun. Miller challenged viewers to consider: should someone with such a history still be praised as a public hero?
Fonda’s 1972 visit to Hanoi was the centerpiece of Miller’s commentary. He highlighted her public criticism of the U.S. military on North Vietnamese radio, the photo of her beside an anti-aircraft battery aimed at American planes, and her symbolic act of donning a Vietnamese soldier’s helmet. These incidents, he claimed, justified the nickname “Hanoi Jane,” a label that continues to provoke strong emotions, particularly among American veterans.
The Fox News segment appeared to aim at reigniting public conversation around Fonda’s wartime actions, suggesting they cast a long shadow over her legacy. Miller used her past as a lens to question her credibility in today’s political sphere—especially her vocal disapproval of pipeline projects tied to the Trump administration.
Although Fonda has previously expressed regret over the infamous Hanoi photograph, Miller dismissed her apology, questioning its sincerity. He argued that apologizing for a single image did not clear her of the broader accusations of having aided an enemy during wartime.
The segment sparked renewed debate about Fonda’s role as an activist and how her past should influence public opinion of her current campaigns. Echoing long-held views from segments of the veteran community, Miller contended that Fonda’s earlier actions should not be overlooked when evaluating her public platform today.
Throughout her life, Fonda has been deeply involved in political and social causes, often taking a strong stance against policies she disagrees with. Most recently, she criticized President Joe Biden for not taking more aggressive steps to halt oil pipeline development, including the Keystone XL pipeline, whose permit Biden officially revoked.
Fox News used the interview to bring renewed focus to Fonda’s history, positioning it as a key factor in assessing her influence and motivations. As the public continues to wrestle with questions about the impact and accountability of activism, Fonda remains a polarizing figure—her legacy still shaped by events from more than five decades ago.
