In a recent interview, Michael Imperioli, the Emmy-winning actor best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in HBO's groundbreaking series The Sopranos, suggested that the show's mobster characters would likely support former President Donald Trump if the series were set in the current political climate. Speaking to The Independent, Imperioli reflected on the themes of immigration and the American dream that underpin the show, positing an ironic alignment between the immigrant roots of the characters and contemporary conservatism.
The Sopranos, which aired for six seasons from 1999 to 2007, follows New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano, played by the late James Gandolfini, as he navigates panic attacks, family life, and the criminal underworld. Created by David Chase, the series earned multiple Emmys and is credited with launching the era of prestige television, influencing shows like Mad Men and Breaking Bad. Its sharp critique of capitalism, masculinity, and the pursuit of the American dream continues to resonate more than 25 years after its premiere.
Imperioli, who won an Emmy for his portrayal of Tony's troubled protégé Christopher, drew parallels between the show's narrative and today's divisive debates over immigration. "The show is about the American dream, especially through the eyes of immigrants," Imperioli told The Independent. He elaborated that if The Sopranos were produced today, it would grapple with the current U.S. climate toward immigrants, noting, "The fact is that these characters are all immigrants, but I think a lot of them would probably be Trump supporters, oddly enough."
This observation highlights the complex identity of the show's Italian-American characters, many of whom trace their lineage to early 20th-century immigrants. Imperioli pointed out a historical nuance often overlooked: "When Italians came over — and people forget this, or they don’t want to see it — a lot of them were undocumented." He questioned how these characters might reconcile their own heritage with policies associated with Trump, such as strict border controls and rhetoric on immigration that have been central to his political platform since his 2016 campaign.
The interview comes as Imperioli, alongside co-stars Vincent Pastore and Steve Schirripa, embarks on a live tour in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The trio is bringing their popular podcast, Talking Sopranos, to audiences overseas, offering fans behind-the-scenes insights and discussions on the show's enduring legacy. The tour, which began in early 2026, has already drawn crowds eager to revisit the cultural phenomenon that redefined television storytelling.
Imperioli's comments arrive amid a broader resurgence of interest in The Sopranos, fueled by streaming availability on platforms like HBO Max and anniversary retrospectives. The series, set against the backdrop of post-9/11 America, explored psychological depth in ways that were revolutionary for its time. Tony Soprano's therapy sessions, a core element of the plot, humanized a mobster archetype, blending high drama with everyday suburban life in New Jersey.
While Imperioli's speculation on the characters' political leanings is hypothetical, it underscores the show's timeless exploration of class and identity. The mobsters' pursuit of wealth and status mirrors the aspirations of many immigrant families, yet their conservative values—family loyalty, traditional gender roles, and suspicion of authority—could indeed align with aspects of the MAGA movement, as Imperioli suggests. Trump himself has often invoked his own blue-collar appeal, resonating with working-class voters in states like New Jersey, where the show is set.
Entertainment industry observers note that The Sopranos has long been a lens for examining American society. David Chase, in past interviews, has described the series as a commentary on the emptiness of the American dream. Imperioli's remarks build on this, extending the conversation to 21st-century politics. No official response has come from Chase or HBO regarding Imperioli's views, but the actor's perspective adds a fresh layer to ongoing fan debates about the show's relevance.
The timing of Imperioli's interview coincides with heightened political discourse as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Trump's influence remains strong within the Republican Party, with his policies on immigration continuing to polarize voters. According to Pew Research Center data from 2024, immigrant communities show varied political affiliations, with some second- and third-generation groups leaning conservative on economic issues, echoing the dynamics Imperioli describes.
Imperioli's career has evolved far beyond The Sopranos. Since the show's end, he has appeared in films like The White Lotus, earning another Emmy nomination, and directed episodes of various series. His podcast with Schirripa, launched in 2020, has amassed a dedicated following, dissecting episodes and sharing anecdotes from the set. The live tour represents an extension of this success, bridging the Atlantic to engage international fans who discovered the show through global distribution.
Critics and fans alike have praised The Sopranos for its unflinching portrayal of Italian-American life, though it faced backlash from some community groups for perpetuating stereotypes. Imperioli has addressed this in previous discussions, emphasizing the show's intent to humanize its characters rather than glorify crime. His recent comments on Trump support add another dimension, inviting viewers to consider how fiction intersects with real-world ideologies.
As the tour progresses through cities like London and Dublin, Imperioli and his co-stars are fielding questions on everything from Gandolfini's iconic performance to the ambiguous series finale. Imperioli has hinted at potential future projects tied to the Sopranos universe, though nothing is confirmed. HBO's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, has not announced any reboots, but the enduring popularity suggests possibilities.
Broader implications of Imperioli's statements touch on Hollywood's role in political commentary. In an industry often criticized for liberal bias, actors like Imperioli offer nuanced takes that challenge assumptions. His ironic prediction—that mobsters embodying the immigrant struggle might back anti-immigrant policies—mirrors real sociological shifts, where historical grievances evolve into support for restrictive measures.
Looking ahead, the Talking Sopranos tour is scheduled to continue through mid-2026, with additional dates in Europe. Fans can expect lively discussions that blend nostalgia with contemporary relevance. Imperioli's interview serves as a reminder of The Sopranos' lasting impact, prompting reflection on how its themes of ambition, identity, and belonging play out in today's America.
Ultimately, whether the DiMeo crime family would don red hats remains speculative, but Imperioli's insight encourages a deeper engagement with the show's core questions. As the nation grapples with its multicultural fabric, The Sopranos endures as a mirror to society's contradictions.