In a candid sit-down with “CBS Sunday Morning” on June 1, 2025, former President Bill Clinton offered sharp critiques of Donald Trump’s administration and raised concerns about Joe Biden’s health.
When asked if President Trump faced any limits on his authority, Clinton didn’t hesitate: “Oh yeah,” he said. Clinton explained that the courts—many of them appointed by Trump himself—have acted as a crucial check on his power.
Clinton acknowledged that Trump seems determined to sidestep these legal barriers but warned that such efforts would be tough and could ultimately backfire, damaging both Trump and the country. The former Arkansas attorney general described Trump’s leadership style as unprecedented:
“I’ve never seen anything like it. Someone who believes that whatever he wants should automatically be law, and if you’re not on board, you’re out,” Clinton said. “But most Americans don’t buy that.”
Clinton believes Trump’s confrontational approach and use of insults have come at a cost, making him less popular over time. “I think he’s paid a price,” he said. “I think it’s made him less popular.”
The former president also condemned Trump’s moves to block law firms from working with federal agencies simply because of disagreements. He argued that such tactics stray far from American principles:
“That’s not what America is about. We’ve never done that before. The whole purpose of a legal system is to ensure both sides have a voice.”
Clinton stressed the need for Americans to find common ground and work together, rather than fueling division. He urged the nation to protect its legacy and trust, saying it’s crucial to focus on shared values and resist the urge to tear each other down.
On another hot-button topic, Clinton also addressed concerns over former President Joe Biden’s age and health. He acknowledged reports that those close to Biden have seen signs of cognitive and physical decline, noting the release of the book “Original Sin.”
When asked if he ever doubted Biden’s ability to handle the job, Clinton replied, “No. I thought he was a good president.” Clinton said the only real question was whether anyone could manage the weight of the presidency into their mid-80s.
He recounted his own conversations with Biden, saying, “I never left thinking, ‘He can’t do this.’ He always knew his stuff.”
Biden’s health came under renewed scrutiny after the release of recordings from his October 2023 interviews with special counsel Robert Hur about his handling of classified documents. The audio revealed Biden at times struggled to remember key events, such as the death of his son and Trump’s election. His voice was at times soft and halting, with long pauses as lawyers stepped in.
The recordings sparked an emotional outpouring on social media. Some described the audio as deeply saddening and unsettling. One person called it “heartbreaking and terrifying,” while another said, “This is horrifying.”
Many placed the blame not on Biden himself, but on those around him for not urging him to step aside. One Republican user compared the expectations to asking “someone without legs to walk,” saying Democratic leaders and Biden’s inner circle bore responsibility for the situation.
For some, the recordings raised real questions about whether Biden was capable of serving another term. As one commentator bluntly put it: “He couldn’t seem to follow a clear train of thought—how can we expect him to keep going?”
Clinton’s comments offered a rare and direct view from a former president on the state of leadership in Washington. As debate over Trump’s conduct and Biden’s health intensifies, Clinton’s remarks have added another dimension to the national conversation—one that cuts to the core of what it means to govern.
