Actor George Clooney has sharply criticized the current U.S. administration, describing it as a "kakistocracy" – a government run by the least qualified people. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival on Wednesday, Clooney expressed dismay at what he perceived as a widespread absence of "decency" in public life.
"There is a great word, kakistocracy, which is a country run by the least qualified people," Clooney stated. "I think maybe we have a kakistocracy right now but we will get through it." He added that he anticipates an election in November will serve as a "check and balance," and expressed hope for a "restoration" in 2028.
Clooney specifically denounced President Donald Trump's administration as "cruel," asserting that basic standards of decency have eroded from public discourse. He pointed to a tweet by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which appeared to mock the physical appearance of an overweight female Canadian soldier. "Where is the sense of decency in all this?" Clooney questioned, expressing his shame but maintaining optimism.
Clooney, who was awarded a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the festival, drew parallels between the current era and past difficult periods in U.S. history, such as 1968, a year marked by widespread protests and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. He noted that the Capitol was surrounded by tanks during that time, suggesting that while the country has faced challenges before, the present is also a difficult moment.
The actor and President Trump have a history of public exchanges. Previously, Clooney accused Trump of committing a "war crime" for threatening that "a whole civilization [would] die" in Iran. The White House, through Communications Director Steven Cheung, responded at the time by stating, "The only person committing war crimes is George Clooney for his awful movies and terrible acting ability."
In response to the White House's comment, Clooney criticized what he called "infantile name calling" during a time of significant global tension, involving loss of life and economic uncertainty. He also cited definitions of war crimes from the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute. The feud between the two has also involved Trump calling Clooney a "failed movie star" and one of the "worst political prognosticators of all time."
Additionally, Clooney's wife, Amal Clooney, an international human rights attorney, was reportedly cautioned by the Foreign Office about potential U.S. entry restrictions due to legal advice she provided in a war crimes case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under sanctions imposed by Trump. The couple reportedly divides their time between homes in the UK, Italy, and the U.S.