George Clooney's Hard Blow Against the U.S. Administration

Hollywood's globally renowned figure George Clooney made harsh remarks about the U.S. administration at the 83rd Venice Film Festival. The Oscar‑winning actor, who said he felt "shame" about his country's political landscape, used a striking term to describe the current leadership: "kakistocracy".

At the festival, 65‑year‑old Clooney appeared before journalists; he weighed in on many subjects, from his career and Hollywood's future to artificial intelligence and U.S. politics. However, the remarks that left a mark at the press briefing were his statements about the political period his country is in.

"The Country Governed by the Least Qualified People"

Clooney, who described the period the U.S. is in as "unfortunate", drew attention to the word "kakistocracy". The famous actor, noting that the term means a country is governed by the least qualified or most incompetent people, said the U.S. might currently be going through such a phase.

Clooney said, "There's a wonderful word called kakistocracy. It means a country is governed by the least qualified people. I think we might have a kakistocracy right now, but we will get over it."

"I Am Ashamed of All This"

Clooney, who did not hide his discomfort with developments in American politics, also criticized the language used by officials and the political atmosphere.

"I am ashamed of all of this," Clooney said, yet he stated that he believes the United States can leave its current political era behind. The famous actor also expressed hope that his country could emerge stronger from this process.

Clooney also noted that the mid‑term elections scheduled for November 2026 could be significant for the political balances in Washington, pointing out that the checks and balances mechanisms in the American system could regain strength. He said he hopes that the 2028 presidential election will usher in a more normal era in politics.

He Warned About Artificial Intelligence

Politics was not the only topic on Clooney's agenda. The actor, who also touched on the rapidly transforming AI technologies reshaping Hollywood, said he has encountered AI‑generated videos that make it appear as though he is saying things he never actually said.

Clooney warned that as the technology advances, distinguishing between real footage and AI‑generated content will increasingly become difficult, posing serious risks especially for journalism and the public’s accurate information.

He also drew attention to the change in Hollywood.

The large corporate mergers in Hollywood were also among the topics Clooney evaluated. The actor, who approaches the increasingly growing consolidation in the industry with caution, voiced concerns that the merger of giant companies could lead to job losses for employees.

With his remarks at the Venice Film Festival, Clooney delivered striking messages about both Hollywood's future and the United States' political climate; his particular use of the term 'kakistocracy' became one of the most talked-about phrases at the press conference.