Democratic strategist James Carville launched a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump’s recent decisions regarding Ukraine and tariffs, accusing him of intentionally damaging the United States. In a video released Tuesday, Carville did not hold back, claiming Trump’s moves were not just reckless but deliberately harmful to the nation’s interests.
At the center of Carville’s criticism were Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, a move that has sparked backlash from economists and trade experts. Additionally, he pointed to Trump’s highly contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which reportedly became heated.
These actions, according to Carville, reflect a broader pattern of behavior that he finds deeply troubling.
“He’s actually trying to harm the United States,” Carville stated emphatically. The veteran political strategist, known for his sharp attacks on Republicans, compared Trump’s presidency to previous GOP administrations but argued that Trump stands apart in an alarming way.
Carville, who was a prominent critic of former President George W. Bush’s handling of the Iraq War, acknowledged that he strongly opposed Bush’s policies but never believed Bush had malicious intent toward the country. Trump, however, is a different case, he argued.
“I never would have thought for one minute that George W. Bush wanted to harm the United States,” Carville said. “I don’t think Trump likes the United States. I honestly believe that the most compelling answer to all of this is he doesn’t like this country.”
Carville continued his takedown by listing various criticisms of Trump’s approach to governance. He accused the former president of undermining the U.S. Constitution, disregarding long-standing international alliances, and attacking the foundational principle of separation of powers within the government.
“We know he believes that we’re a terrible country, we’re terrible people … we know that,” Carville said. “We know, like many people, he didn’t want to serve in the armed forces, but we know that. We know that he is trying to destroy the military by getting rid of every competent person he could find, we know that. We know today that he doesn’t care about high prices.”
Carville then posed a blunt question: “What could explain all that?” His own answer was just as direct: “I think the simplest and most direct explanation is the president of the United States hates the United States.”
Trump has previously dismissed Carville’s attacks, often responding with personal insults. Last month, Trump fired back at Carville, calling him “weak” and a “broken down loser” who was “going crazy” after the Democratic strategist appeared on Fox News.
Carville’s comments come at a politically charged moment, just before Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. In his speech, Trump sought to paint an optimistic vision for the future, vowing to usher in a “golden age of America.”
Carville, however, expressed deep concerns about what another Trump term would mean for the country, particularly given the current political dynamics.
Speaking on the role of Democrats in the upcoming years, Carville urged them to take Trump’s presidency with the “utmost gravity of utmost peril.” He stressed that even though Democrats are in the minority in both the House and Senate, they must act decisively in their opposition to Trump’s agenda.
“If the country is going to be saved, they’re going to have to play a key role in it,” Carville warned, referring to congressional Democrats.
His remarks reflect a broader frustration among Trump’s critics, who argue that his policies have damaged the country’s international standing, weakened democratic institutions, and caused economic instability. The issue of tariffs, in particular, has been a major point of contention, with many economists warning that Trump’s trade war approach has hurt American consumers and businesses.
Trump’s handling of Ukraine also continues to be a polarizing issue. His Oval Office meeting with Zelensky reignited concerns about his foreign policy approach and raised questions about the stability of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Carville and other critics argue that Trump’s approach to international diplomacy has been erratic and counterproductive, often alienating key allies.
As the political battle lines continue to be drawn, Carville’s fiery rhetoric underscores the ongoing tension between Trump and his detractors. Whether his accusations resonate with the broader electorate remains to be seen, but they certainly reflect the deep divisions that continue to define the U.S. political landscape.
