‘My Father Would Approve!’ Stanley Kubrick’s Daughter Defends Trump’s Use of Full Metal Jacket Footage: ‘It Helps the Cause of Freedom!’

Vivian Kubrick, daughter of the legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, has made headlines after defending former President Donald Trump’s controversial use of footage from Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) in a political ad. Kubrick took to social media to express her support, stating that her father, best known for directing iconic films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Full Metal Jacket, would have likely approved of Trump’s message.

Addressing criticism from those who argued that using an anti-war film to promote military strength was incongruous, Kubrick clarified her stance. “I agree in principle that an anti-war movie is incongruous with promoting the idea of a tough, non-woke U.S. military and thus war itself—however, these are very dangerous and strange times,” she wrote on her official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The ad, which utilized boot camp scenes from Full Metal Jacket, sparked debate online. Critics argued that it misused the film’s anti-war messaging, while supporters of Trump praised the ad’s emphasis on military toughness. Kubrick, however, defended the decision, stating that Full Metal Jacket was more than just an anti-war film—it was a portrayal of the paradoxes of human nature.

“Trump is always seeking to end wars and use peaceful methods,” Kubrick said. “But that’s primarily what FMJ is about—the shocking and complicated paradoxes of human nature.” She continued by arguing that a strong military is essential in the modern world and that the footage’s powerful portrayal of boot camp highlighted the need for properly trained, focused, and dedicated soldiers.

One of the most controversial elements of her post was her direct defense of Trump’s opposition to what he and many of his supporters call “woke ideology” in the military. Kubrick emphasized her agreement with this stance, stating, “I’m going to stick with the idea that FMJ footage was used primarily because of its powerful, realistic portrayal of boot camp, juxtaposed with the entirely demoralizing and inappropriate injection of woke ideology into the USA military.”

She also noted that her father, who was known for making anti-war films, had a deep passion for guns and self-defense, adding complexity to his views on war and the military. “Knowing my father very well, I can assure you he had a profound grasp of how paradoxical human nature is,” she wrote.

Kubrick concluded her statement by asserting that her father would have supported Trump’s efforts to defend America from what she called “destructive globalist forces.” In her view, using Full Metal Jacket to promote Trump’s message was acceptable if it contributed to preserving freedom. “If that footage from FMJ helps Trump make the point that the U.S. military needs properly trained, super tough warriors, then Trump has my blessing,” she declared.

Vivian Kubrick’s post has sparked a wide array of reactions online, from support for her defense of Trump’s message to criticism for what some see as a distortion of her father’s legacy. Despite the controversy, Kubrick stands firm in her belief that her father would approve of Trump’s stance, framing it as a battle for freedom in a complex and paradoxical world.