Veteran actor George Clooney has sharply criticized the US government under President Donald Trump, describing the current period as an unfortunate chapter in American history.
Clooney made the remarks Wednesday during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival. The 65-year-old actor is attending the festival, where he will receive a Golden Lion for his career achievements.
Clooney Criticizes US Government
Speaking to reporters, Clooney said he felt ashamed of the current state of the US government. He argued that the country is going through a difficult period but expressed confidence that Americans would eventually overcome it.
Clooney used the term “kakistocracy” to describe what he sees as the current political situation.
He explained that the word refers to a government led by the least qualified people. According to Clooney, the United States may currently fit that description, although he believes the country will eventually move beyond it.
Actor Hopes for Political Change
Clooney also pointed to the upcoming US midterm elections as a possible source of political balance.
He said the elections could provide a “check and balance” on the government. Looking further ahead, Clooney expressed hope that the country could return to a greater sense of normalcy after the 2028 presidential election.
Despite his criticism, the actor described himself as an optimist.
Clooney Recalls Other Difficult Periods
Clooney said his perspective comes partly from witnessing previous periods of turmoil in the United States.
He recalled 1968, when the country experienced widespread violence and unrest. That year also saw the assassinations of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
Clooney noted that violence spread across many American cities during that period. He also recalled that tanks surrounded the US Capitol.
“We’ve had some other difficult times, but this is one of them,” he said.
Actor Questions Political Decency
Clooney also referred to a social media post by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that he said appeared to mock the appearance of an overweight Canadian female soldier who was presenting a medal at a youth camp.
The actor questioned whether such conduct reflected an appropriate level of public decency.
“Where’s the sense of decency in all of this?” Clooney asked.
He added that he felt ashamed by what he described as the current situation but remained hopeful about the future.
Clooney Remains Optimistic
Although George Clooney has previously spoken publicly against the Trump administration, his latest comments also carried a message of optimism.
He believes the United States can eventually move beyond its current political tensions and emerge stronger.
Clooney concluded that the country would get through the difficult period and “come out better on the other side.”
