The politician said the current leader faced consequences for using insults and trying to dominate others. He added that, in his view, there are limits to how much power one person can hold.
During a frank conversation with “CBS Sunday Morning” on June 1, 2025, former President Bill Clinton voiced his criticism of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Donald Trump greets former President Bill Clinton at the Inaugural Luncheon in the US Capitol on January 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
When questioned about whether President Trump’s power has any limits, Clinton replied, “Oh yeah.” When asked who was holding him back, he explained, “The courts, including a lot of judges he appointed.”
The politician noted that Trump appears to be searching for ways to ignore court rulings but said it would be difficult — and if he succeeds, it could harm both him and the country.
Clinton, who once served as Arkansas’s attorney general, also shared his views on Trump’s leadership style:
“We’ve never seen anything like this before in my lifetime. 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.”
“I think that he’s paid a price for this name calling and throwing his weight around,” Clinton stated. When asked what that cost was, he answered, “I think it’s made him less popular.”
Clinton also commented on Trump’s aggressive actions and efforts to weaken legal systems. He said that only elections can bring about real change. In his view, the courts are beginning to push back.
Donald Trump and Bill Clinton pictured leaving Statuary Hall in the US Capitol on January 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
The public figure criticized Trump for barring law firms from representing clients before federal agencies and buildings simply because of differing opinions, saying that such moves stray far from the nation’s true ideals:
“That ain’t America. We’ve never done that. The whole purpose of having a legal system is to have both sides be heard.”
Clinton called for unity and urged Americans to reject division, emphasizing the importance of shared values. He said that someone needed to stand up and declare that what people have in common matters more, that the nation’s legacy must not be discarded, and that trust should not be destroyed.
The former governor of Arkansas stressed the need to protect that legacy, work together without tearing others down, and focus on bringing people together with a calmer approach.
During the same interview, Clinton also addressed concerns about former President Joe Biden’s health and time in office. He acknowledged the existence of a book titled the “Original Sin,” claiming that people close to Biden noticed signs of cognitive and physical decline.
When asked if he ever doubted his ability to lead, Clinton replied, “No. I thought he was a good president.” The Arkansas native noted that the only real question Biden might have faced was whether anyone could handle the demands of the job until the age of 86.
Reflecting on their many in-depth conversations, Clinton added, “I had never seen him and walked away thinking, ‘He can’t do this anymore.’ He was always on top of his briefs.”
Clinton’s thoughts on the 82-year-old’s health and leadership came shortly after fresh attention was drawn to recordings from October 2023. In the audio, obtained by Axios, Biden spoke with special counsel Robert Hur during two separate interviews, each lasting about three hours.
Joe Biden and Bill Clinton photographed shaking hands as Biden accepts the Clinton Global Citizen Award on September 23, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The discussions, which focused on how Biden handled classified documents, brought back concerns about his mental fitness during his last year in office.
The audio revealed moments of confusion, with Biden struggling to recall key dates like his son’s death and Trump’s election. His voice was soft, his words sometimes slurred, and long pauses filled the room, as his attorneys stepped in to help.
The audio sparked a wave of emotional responses across social media. Many netizens expressed deep concern, with some describing the recordings as heartbreaking and frightening.
One user believed those who allowed Biden to remain in office should be held accountable, while others spoke of sadness, pointing to signs of memory loss and confusion. Several noted that the transcripts alone failed to reflect the gravity of what they heard in the actual recordings.
As more people listened to the audio, reactions continued to pour in, with many expressing shock and sorrow. “No wonder they tried to cover this up. This is insane and just plain sad,” one person wrote. “This is horrifying,” another added.
Some directed their criticism not at Biden himself, but at those surrounding him. A self-identified Republican showed empathy, comparing the expectations placed on Biden to asking “someone without legs to walk.”
They argued that the burden rested with Democratic leaders, the liberal media, and even his own family for failing to step in and encourage him to step aside. As reactions continued, some voices turned sharply critical, focusing on what the recordings might mean for the country’s future.
One person pointed out that Biden seemed unable to follow a clear line of thought or respond to even the most basic inquiries. For them, the idea of preparing him for another term felt like the country was being let down.
Clinton’s interview highlighted serious concerns about leadership, accountability, and the direction of the country. His remarks on Trump’s behavior and Joe Biden‘s fitness offered a rare, direct perspective from a former president.
Meanwhile, the release of Biden’s interview audio intensified public debate, drawing both sympathy and criticism. As reactions pour in, questions about power, age, and responsibility continue to shape the national conversation.
