BBC Doctor Who star admits 'eating my words' after suffering 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' prior to Gaza peace deal

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 14/10/2025

- 08:38

The actress confessed she had changed her stance on the President

Actress Frances Barber has publicly acknowledged a dramatic shift in her stance towards Donald Trump following his role in securing the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

The performer, known for portraying Madame Kovarian in Doctor Who, shared her change of heart on social media.


Ms Barber reposted content from Rita Panahi showing gratitude messages to President Trump displayed on a Tel Aviv beach.

She accompanied this with her own admission: "I had TDS and I'm now eating my words."

Frances Barber

Frances Barber said she had been suffering from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'

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IMDB

When questioned about the acronym, Barber clarified she meant "Trump Derangement Syndrome."

Her candid acknowledgement represents a significant reversal from her previous position on the American president, prompted by his diplomatic efforts in achieving the Middle East peace agreement.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into force on Friday morning, marking the implementation of the initial stage of a 20-point peace agreement negotiated by Trump.

The conflict began with Hamas-led assaults on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 individuals taken captive.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump expressed confidence that the truce would remain intact, stating that "everybody is happy" and anticipating that the situation would continue.

He described himself as being "good at solving wars" and "good at making peace."

The president revealed plans to establish a "Board of Peace" rapidly to supervise Gaza, which he characterised as resembling a "demolition site."

He indicated willingness to visit the territory, saying he would "like to put my feet on it, at least," and predicted the region would become a "miracle" in the coming decades.

Frances Barber

Frances Barber admitted to 'eating my words'

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IMDB

Ms Barber has featured prominently in British television and theatre, earning Olivier Award nominations for her performances in Camille (1985) and Uncle Vanya (1997).

Her Doctor Who appearances in 2011 included A Good Man Goes to War and The Wedding of River Song as the antagonist Madame Kovarian.

President Trump

President Donald Trump is welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion International Airport

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GETTY

Her admission prompted numerous supportive responses on social media. One user commented: "That takes a lot of guts to admit. Welcome aboard."

Another wrote: "You're bigger than most people who would rather wallow in their own arrogance than appreciate a major step towards much more peace in the world."

Several respondents shared similar experiences, with one stating: "I did too, and I admit I was wrong. I was brainwashed."

Another observed: "We can dislike much of what he represents and also be very grateful when he makes something as important as this happen."