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Sopranos Star Suggests Tony, Paulie, Sil Would Support Trump

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 16:44 GMT by Entertainment Weekly
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 21st, 2026 - A recent interview with Michael Imperioli, the actor best known for his portrayal of Christopher Moltisanti in the critically acclaimed HBO drama The Sopranos, has ignited a fascinating and somewhat unsettling debate: how would the characters of that iconic series view the current political landscape, specifically the candidacy of Donald Trump? Imperioli suggested that a significant portion of the show's central figures - Tony Soprano, Paulie Walnuts, and Silvio Dante - would likely be supporters.

Speaking in an interview earlier this week, Imperioli posited that the core values of these characters align surprisingly well with the appeal of Trump. "I think Tony, Paulie, Sil, they'd probably be into him," he stated. "They're loyal. They're self-interested. They're probably a little authoritarian, so they'd probably be into him." This isn't simply speculation; it's a considered observation rooted in a deep understanding of the personalities he inhabited for six seasons.

The connection, while provocative, isn't entirely far-fetched. The Sopranos, at its heart, was a study of power dynamics, tribalism, and the assertion of dominance. Tony Soprano, despite his criminal activities, operated within a rigid hierarchy, demanding respect and loyalty from those around him. He valued strength, perceived weakness with contempt, and frequently relied on intimidation to achieve his goals. These characteristics echo aspects of Trump's political rhetoric and appeal to a base that often prioritizes strong leadership and a perceived return to traditional values. Paulie Walnuts and Silvio Dante, as Tony's capos, were unwavering in their devotion, prioritizing the family's interests (and their own self-preservation) above all else. Their loyalty, however transactional, mirrors the fervent dedication seen in many of Trump's supporters.

However, Imperioli tempered his assessment, acknowledging that not all characters would fall into line. He pointed to Meadow Soprano, Tony's daughter, as a likely opponent, reflecting her more liberal and intellectual leanings demonstrated throughout the series. Meadow consistently questioned the morality of her father's actions and aspired to a life beyond the confines of the criminal underworld, suggesting a worldview incompatible with Trump's policies and rhetoric.

This raises a broader question: what does it say about the enduring relevance of The Sopranos that its characters can be so readily mapped onto the current political spectrum? The show's brilliance lay in its refusal to offer easy answers or moral judgements. It presented complex characters with flawed motivations, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. Imperioli's comments force us to consider how readily those same flaws - the desire for power, the need for belonging, the willingness to overlook wrongdoing - can be exploited in the political arena.

The timing of Imperioli's remarks is significant. As Trump mounts another bid for the presidency in 2024 (and continues to be a potent force in 2026), the lines between entertainment and reality have become increasingly blurred. The appeal of strongman figures, both fictional and real, is a recurring theme in history, and The Sopranos offers a particularly compelling and nuanced exploration of that phenomenon.

Political analysts are beginning to weigh in, noting the parallels between the "us vs. them" mentality prevalent in the show and the divisive rhetoric that has characterized recent political discourse. The concept of "the family" - whether literal, like the DiMeo crime family, or figurative, like a nation - is a powerful tool for mobilization, and Trump has consistently invoked this imagery to rally his supporters.

Furthermore, the show's depiction of corruption and the abuse of power resonates with concerns about political accountability and the erosion of democratic norms. While Tony Soprano's transgressions were criminal, the underlying themes of self-interest and the disregard for rules are equally applicable to the world of politics. The show doesn't endorse these behaviors, but it exposes them, and that exposure forces us to confront them.

Imperioli's observation isn't a prediction, but a thought experiment. It's a reminder that the characters of The Sopranos, despite being fictional, are deeply rooted in recognizable human traits. It's a provocative idea that invites us to look beyond the surface and consider the underlying motivations that drive both fictional characters and real-world political actors.