Actor and director George Clooney has voiced strong criticism of the current U.S. administration, labeling its leaders as "the least qualified people" and lamenting a perceived absence of decency in public life.
During a recent appearance in Venice, where he was honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival, Clooney also took the opportunity to praise his wife, Amal Clooney, a prominent human rights lawyer. He highlighted her work in holding ISIS members accountable for genocide, referring to her as a "badass" who "gets the job done."
Clooney drew parallels between the current political climate and past challenging periods in American history, such as 1968, a year marked by significant social unrest and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. He expressed a belief that the U.S. will eventually overcome its current difficulties, particularly after the upcoming November election and a potential restoration in 2028.
He specifically condemned what he described as a culture of cruelty in politics, referencing an incident where U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to mock the physical appearance of an overweight female Canadian soldier. Clooney questioned the sense of decency behind such actions and expressed shame over them, while maintaining an optimistic outlook.
The actor also defended the right of public figures, including actors, to speak out on political and human rights issues, asserting that becoming an actor does not mean relinquishing freedom of speech. He acknowledged that such stances can lead to criticism and negative reactions, including from political figures like former President Trump, but stated his willingness to endure it.
Amal Clooney, a British-Lebanese lawyer, has been recognized for her work representing Yazidi survivors and securing legal victories against ISIS operatives. She and George Clooney attended a night out during the Venice Film Festival, where Amal wore a sequined turquoise mini dress. The couple, who have two nine-year-old children, maintain a normal family life amidst their public careers, according to George Clooney.