Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger has publicly denounced the current president, stating, > "I remember when we used to hold a president in a position of honor. Not a king but reverence, respect. This guy is a clown, a joke, and a disgrace." The outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump shared his strong sentiments on social media, reflecting a deep concern over the perceived erosion of presidential dignity and conduct. His remarks underscore a recurring theme in his commentary regarding the highest office.
Kinzinger, who represented Illinois's 16th congressional district from 2011 to 2023, emerged as a prominent Republican voice against Donald Trump following the 2020 election and the January 6th Capitol attack. He served on the House Select Committee investigating the events of January 6th and was one of only ten House Republicans to vote for Trump's impeachment in 2021. This recent statement aligns with his consistent pattern of vocal opposition and criticism of the former president's actions and character.
His latest comments follow a series of recent criticisms, including his condemnation of a U.S. peace proposal for Ukraine in November 2025, which he called a "complete capitulation" of Kyiv. Kinzinger has also previously labeled Trump a "complete con artist" and expressed concerns about the damage to the country's global standing. These remarks highlight his ongoing disillusionment with the direction of national leadership.
The White House has previously dismissed Kinzinger's criticisms, with a spokesperson calling him "irrelevant and out of the loop" in November 2025, suggesting his "brain is rotten beyond repair due to his debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome." This sharp retort illustrates the deep partisan divide and the contentious nature of political discourse surrounding presidential conduct. Kinzinger's security clearance was also revoked in March 2025 by the Trump administration, further indicating the strained relationship.
Kinzinger's public stance reflects a broader debate within American politics about the standards of presidential behavior and the reverence traditionally accorded to the office. His lament for a bygone era of respect for the presidency resonates with many who feel the political landscape has become increasingly polarized and acrimonious. As a former lawmaker now operating as a political commentator, his views continue to draw attention to these critical issues.