Hollywood actor and filmmaker George Clooney has described the current period in United States history under President Donald Trump as “unfortunate,” expressing confidence that the country will eventually move beyond what he considers a deeply troubling political era.
Clooney made the comments on Wednesday while speaking to journalists ahead of the opening of a major international film festival, where he is set to receive a Golden Lion award in recognition of his career achievements.
The veteran actor, who has frequently spoken publicly about political and social issues, was critical of the quality of leadership he believes is currently governing the United States. He used the term “kakistocracy” to characterise what he sees as a government controlled by people who are poorly qualified to exercise political power.
“There’s a great word, a kakistocracy, which is a country run by the least qualified people. I think maybe we have a kakistocracy right now, but we’ll get through it,” Clooney told reporters.
The term “kakistocracy” is derived from Greek and is generally used to describe government by the worst, least competent or least qualified individuals. Clooney’s use of the term amounted to a pointed criticism of the Trump administration and its leadership.
Despite his criticism, Clooney struck a more optimistic note about the future of the United States, saying he believed the country would ultimately overcome the current period. His remarks suggested that, although he views the present political situation negatively, he remains confident in the country’s ability to move beyond it.
Clooney’s comments come against the backdrop of continuing political divisions in the United States, where President Trump and his administration have remained the subject of intense public debate and criticism. The actor’s intervention adds to a long history of Hollywood figures speaking out on American political affairs.
The 65-year-old star has previously been involved in political and humanitarian causes and has used his public profile to draw attention to issues beyond the entertainment industry. His latest remarks were delivered not at a political rally or campaign event, but during an appearance connected to one of the world’s most prominent film festivals.
The timing also coincides with a major moment in Clooney’s professional career. He is being honoured with the Golden Lion for Career Achievement, recognising his decades-long contribution to cinema as an actor, director, producer and screenwriter.
Clooney has built an extensive career spanning both mainstream Hollywood productions and critically acclaimed films. His work has earned him major industry honours and established him as one of the most recognisable figures in international cinema.
His comments therefore attracted attention beyond the film festival, particularly because of his direct reference to the quality of political leadership in Washington.
While Clooney did not elaborate extensively on the specific policies or individuals behind his assessment, his choice of the word “kakistocracy” clearly conveyed his dissatisfaction with the current administration.
At the same time, his statement that Americans would “get through it” offered a message of resilience. Rather than suggesting that the country’s current political difficulties were permanent, Clooney presented them as an unfortunate chapter that the United States would eventually overcome.
His remarks are likely to fuel further discussion about the intersection of celebrity, politics and public discourse in America, particularly as prominent entertainers continue to use their platforms to express views on the country’s political direction.
