Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey has never shied away from voicing his stance on responsible gun ownership, especially in the wake of the tragic 2022 school shooting in his hometown of Uvalde, Texas. And during a recent appearance on The View, the 54-year-old actor made headlines again—not for promoting a film, but for standing his ground on a topic he holds close to his heart.

McConaughey appeared on the daytime talk show in fall 2023 to discuss his children’s book Just Because, a project inspired by life lessons he shares with his own children. Ever the charming Texan, he answered questions from the hosts with his trademark calm and wit, even offering co-host Joy Behar a lighthearted foot massage as part of the on-air banter. However, the conversation soon shifted to more serious ground.

Sunny Hostin brought up McConaughey’s outspoken position against violence, particularly gun violence, and mentioned his brief contemplation of running for Texas governor back in 2021. “You considered running for Texas governor in 2021, but you ultimately chose to spend more time with your family. Do you intend to run for office in the future?” Hostin asked.

McConaughey, who has always remained somewhat politically neutral, responded thoughtfully. “Yes, if that’s where I think I can be most useful,” he said. “Right now, I want to be most useful as a father.” It was a grounded, sincere response—typical of the actor known for his deep Texas roots and introspective personality.

But the conversation took a more intense turn when Joy Behar followed up with a pointed question: “Do you think being anti-gun could help you win an election in Texas?”

That’s when McConaughey drew a clear boundary. With composure and resolve, he responded, “One thing about me and politics, to give you a direct statement right there, is I’m playing a game.” He then reached over to give Behar a firm handshake and added, “I have no interest in playing.” His tone remained respectful, but his message was unmistakable—he wasn’t there to get caught up in political gamesmanship.

Behar, caught slightly off guard, simply replied, “Well, don’t do it then.” McConaughey nodded, letting the moment settle without further escalation.

Hostin jumped in after the break to clarify a key point. “I wanted to mention that I’ve looked into your advocacy extensively, and I’m not aware of any anti-gun sentiment. I believe you support gun control laws and responsibilities.”

And she was right.

McConaughey, who grew up in Uvalde, was deeply affected by the May 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers. In the days that followed, he traveled to Washington, D.C., and addressed lawmakers at the White House. His message was passionate yet measured—urging leaders to come together and enact “responsible” gun legislation without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens.

“We need individuals to assume accountability and conduct background checks,” McConaughey said at the time. “Raising the legal age to purchase an AR-15 to 21 is a good idea. For those weapons, there should be a waiting period. We need red flag laws and consequences for those who break them. These are tactical, sensible, and realistic guidelines.”

The actor emphasized that his position wasn’t about banning guns, but about preserving the Second Amendment through responsible use. “Responsible gun owners are fed up with the Second Amendment being abused and hijacked by some crazy people,” he stated.

Since then, McConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves, have channeled their efforts into launching the Greenlights Grant Initiative, a nonprofit aimed at helping schools secure federal safety grants. According to the organization’s mission, the goal is to “make schools safer and ensure the well-being of our children.” It’s a project born out of grief but guided by hope.

Despite how controversial gun laws can be in Texas—a state with strong pro-gun traditions—McConaughey has consistently walked a middle path. He calls for action, but not division. He refuses to demonize gun owners, focusing instead on preventing guns from getting into the wrong hands.

The conversation on The View may have gotten heated, but it also highlighted McConaughey’s commitment to integrity over popularity. Whether or not he decides to run for office in the future, it’s clear that his advocacy is rooted in personal experience, deep empathy, and a desire to create meaningful change.

In a culture often dominated by extremes, Matthew McConaughey continues to stand out—not just for his movie roles or Texas charm, but for his thoughtful and balanced approach to one of America’s most polarizing issues.