In a wide-ranging interview aired Sunday, former U.S. President Bill Clinton voiced deep concern over the current state of American democracy, calling out what he described as President Donald Trump’s persistent attempts to override the rule of law and centralize power in his own hands. Speaking candidly, Clinton warned that the country was facing an unprecedented test of its democratic institutions and civic values.
“We’ve never seen anything like this before in my lifetime,” Clinton said. “Somebody that says, ‘Whatever I want should be the law of the land. It’s my way or the highway.’ And most Americans don’t agree with that.”
Clinton’s remarks come at a time when President Trump, freshly reelected to a second term, has escalated his public criticism of the judiciary and legal institutions, including voicing opposition to law firms that represent individuals in cases challenging the administration. Clinton called this behavior not only unprecedented but also dangerous for the foundation of American legal norms.
“That ain’t America,” he said. “The whole purpose of having a legal system is to have both sides be heard.”
Despite Trump’s efforts, Clinton noted that the judicial system has shown signs of resilience, including decisions from judges appointed by Trump himself. “So far, the courts are stopping the president,” he acknowledged, but cautioned that real accountability would only come through the ballot box.
“Only elections are going to change this,” Clinton added, encouraging voters to pay close attention to down-ballot races, particularly governorships and congressional seats. He emphasized the need for Democrats to focus on regaining control of the House of Representatives in 2026, noting its critical role in checking presidential power.
Beyond legal battles and party politics, Clinton issued a broader appeal for unity and civic respect. He criticized the growing culture of humiliation and tribalism in politics, suggesting that the country needs to return to a spirit of cooperation, not domination.
“We cannot throw the legacy of this country away. We cannot destroy other people’s trust in us,” he said. “We need to preserve that and find a way to work together, and not humiliate other people just so we can win.”
Clinton’s message was clear: democracy is not self-sustaining. It demands constant vigilance, respect for institutions, and a commitment to shared values. As partisan tensions deepen, his warning serves as both a reflection on what has been lost and a call to defend what remains.
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