Either Captain America’s heroics have rubbed off on Chris Evans, or the actor’s just proving he was made for the role. Whatever the case, Evans has used his platform to criticize white supremacists and the current administration (which are, occasionally, two separate entities). The Infinity War star has spoken out against David Duke, who’s taken to calling himself a “European-American activist,” because he’s no longer the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. When Duke tried to shame Evans for having interracial relationships—going so far as to suggest that the actor “hates the women of his people so much,” whatever the fuck that means—the erstwhile Captain just reminded the former Klan member that hatred is Duke’s hood. We mean, bag.
But Evans isn’t just playing defense; he’s also been critical of Jeff Sessions’ appointment (which is how he earned the Wizard’s wrath), and Iowa Congressman Steve King, who’s probably already vetting scientists for his eugenics project.
Evans has also called out Donald Trump himself, a fight that hasn’t been relegated to Twitter. In a new Esquire profile, Evans makes his feelings about the new president pretty clear:
“I feel rage. I feel fury. It’s unbelievable. People were just so desperate to hear someone say that someone is to blame. They were just so happy to hear that someone was angry. Hear someone say that Washington sucks. They just want something new without actually understanding. I mean, guys like Steve Bannon—Steve Bannon!—this man has no place in politics.”
Naturally, Evans’ agents or management are concerned that his outspokenness will cost him at the box office. But that’s not enough to keep him quiet: “Look, I’m in a business where you’ve got to sell tickets,” Evans admits. “But, my God, I would not be able to look at myself in the mirror if I felt strongly about something and didn’t speak up. I think it’s about how you speak up. We’re allowed to disagree. If I state my case and people don’t want to go see my movies as a result, I’m okay with that.”