Hollywood star George Clooney
George Clooney calls Trump administration “kakistocracy"
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Clooney condemns officials’ conduct while expressing faith in democracy.
Hollywood star George Clooney launched a scathing critique of current US governance on Wednesday during the opening day of the 83rd Venice Film Festival, expressing shame over the state of American politics while defining the administration as being run by the "least qualified people."
Appearing before reporters to discuss his career, the impact of artificial intelligence on entertainment, and ongoing industry consolidation, the 65-year-old Oscar winner reflected on what he termed a deeply "unfortunate" period in American history.
"There's a great word, a kakistocracy, which is a country run by the least qualified people," Clooney said during the press conference. "I think maybe we have a kakistocracy right now, but we'll get through it."
Clooney: US government run by 'least qualified people'
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 2, 2026
Veteran US film star George Clooney says President Donald Trump's administration is a "kakistocracy" -- a government run by the "least qualified people". Clooney was speaking on the opening day of the Venice Film… pic.twitter.com/IeG0ercOeN
Lost sense of decency
Clooney singled out recent rhetoric from senior political appointees, highlighting a controversial social media post by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mocking a female Canadian soldier.
"Where's the sense of decency in all of this? And I'm ashamed of all of that, but we will get through it," Clooney stated, questioning the behavior of public officials. "And we will come out better on the other side."
Despite his harsh diagnosis of Washington's current leadership, the actor insisted he remains an optimist regarding the nation's democratic checks and balances.
He drew parallels between contemporary political polarization and historical crises he lived through, such as the social unrest and high-profile assassinations of 1968.
Looking toward future political cycles, Clooney noted that upcoming midterms should provide a necessary "check and balance" on the administration, adding hope that subsequent presidential elections in 2028 will bring a "restoration into some normalcy."
