After George Clooney and Amal, a human rights lawyer, obtained French citizenship, they faced criticism from President Donald Trump.
On December 26, French officials swiftly granted citizenship to Clooney, Amal, and their children, a decision that was publicly announced earlier this week. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot endorsed the move, emphasizing the couple’s charitable contributions.
On New Year’s Eve, Trump used his social media platform to share: “Good news! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, are now citizens of France, a country struggling with a serious crime wave due to their disastrous immigration policies.”
Clooney has long been a prominent Democratic fundraiser. In July 2024, he penned a controversial op-ed in The New York Times urging President Biden to step down as the Democratic candidate after a poor debate performance against Trump. Biden exited the race less than two weeks later.
Trump responded by mocking Clooney’s political judgment. “Remember when Clooney abandoned Joe during a fundraiser, only to side with another candidate, Jamala (K!), who is now battling the worst governors in the country—Tim Walz and Gavin Newsom—for control of the Democratic future,” he wrote.
Clooney had previously hosted a fundraiser for Biden, which Trump referenced. According to a book by two American journalists, Biden was unaware of the actor’s identity at that event. Trump further attacked Clooney’s acting career, claiming, “Clooney gained more publicity for politics than for his few, mediocre movies. He was never a true movie star—just an average guy constantly complaining about common sense in politics.”
The actor has known Trump well before he entered politics. In a 2021 interview with the BBC, Clooney described Trump as “just a knucklehead… nothing special about him; he was just a guy always trying to get with girls.”
Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate for South Korea’s Democratic Party, greets supporters alongside his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, June 4, 2025. — Reuters
Lee bested conservative opponent Kim Moon-soo.
“I accept the people’s choice with humility,” Kim states.
Lee will assume office shortly.
SEOUL: Lee Jae-myung, the center-left leader of South Korea, celebrated voters’ “wise decision” as he was announced the victor of a snap presidential election early Wednesday, bringing to a close a period of political upheaval.
Exactly six months after the former president Yoon Suk Yeol threw the nation into turmoil with his ill-fated martial law declaration, official results from the National Election Commission confirmed Lee’s victory over conservative challenger Kim Moon-soo, who conceded the election prior to the official announcement.
The voter turnout reached its highest level in nearly thirty years.
“I humbly accept the people’s will. Congratulations to the newly elected president, Lee Jae-myung,” said Kim as counting of the remaining ballots continued.
Lee expressed gratitude to the voters for their trust, asserting he would strive to meet the substantial responsibility and expectations placed upon him.
In light of South Korea’s increasing partisan divide, intensified by the chaos following Yoon’s martial law move, Lee acknowledged that those who did not support him are still “fellow citizens” and promised to “advance with optimism and begin anew from this moment on”.
He also indicated plans to “encourage dialogue, communication, and cooperation” between Seoul and its long-standing adversary, Pyongyang, a relationship that has deteriorated to its lowest point in years under Yoon’s aggressive stance.
‘Relieved’
Lee will assume office almost immediately, once the commission verifies the vote count, expected early Wednesday.
With 96.74% of the ballots counted, it became mathematically impossible for Kim to close the gap.
Lee will inherit a daunting agenda, including challenges presented by global trade fluctuations impacting the export-driven economy, extremely low birth rates, and a fortified North Korea expanding its military capabilities.
The voter turnout reached 79.4%, the highest since 1997.
An exit poll conducted by the three major broadcasters had earlier predicted Lee’s win, prompting his supporters to celebrate outside the National Assembly, while party officials inside parliament began chanting “Lee Jae-myung.”
For weeks, major polls consistently showed Lee in the lead over Kim—Yoon’s former labor minister—who struggled with internal party conflicts and failed to unite with a third-party candidate, resulting in a fragmented right-wing vote.
After months of instability and a succession of acting leaders, many South Koreans expressed their hope for a more stable future.
Noh Min-young, a 20-year-old protestor since Yoon’s martial law declaration, told AFP she felt “relieved.”
“It’s been a tough journey. I’m thrilled because it feels like we’ve seized the opportunity that so many have fought for over the last six months,” she said.
‘Turning point’
Experts noted that the aftermath of Yoon’s martial law announcement, which left South Korea effectively without leadership during the early months of President Donald Trump’s controversial second term, played a crucial role in shaping the election results.
The election was widely perceived as a referendum on the previous administration, stated Kang Joo-hyun, a political science professor at Sookmyung Women’s University, to AFP.
Yoon’s impeachment following his martial law attempt, which saw armed troops deployed to the parliament, marked him as the second consecutive conservative president to be removed from office after Park Geun-hye in 2017.
“Lee’s victory signifies a rejection by the Korean public of undemocratic and illiberal actions like martial law,” explained Gi-Wook Shin, a sociology professor at Stanford University.
This moment may be regarded as a significant turning point in the political landscape of South Korea.
However, Lee’s victory results not only from his own strengths but also from the shortcomings of his competitors, noted Minseon Ku, a postdoctoral researcher at the William & Mary Global Research Institute.
“Lee has a criminal history and has faced various political and personal scandals,” Ku remarked.
His ascent to the presidency is indicative of the deep political discord plaguing South Korea.
In South Korea, presidents are limited to a single five-year term.
Authorities heightened security measures, deploying thousands of officers to ensure that both the election and the upcoming inauguration on Wednesday proceed without incident.
Lee, having survived an assassination attempt last year, has been campaigning in a bulletproof vest and giving speeches behind a protective glass screen.
Supporters of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in South Korea, rally in Seoul on June 2, 2025. — Reuters
South Koreans headed to the polls on Tuesday to select a new president, marking the end of six months of political turmoil that followed former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration.
Early birds began arriving at a polling place in Seoul’s Munrae-dong neighborhood at 6:00 AM to submit their votes.
“We were the first here, hoping our candidate wins, as the presidential election is crucial,” 80-year-old Yu Bun-dol told AFP, noting she supports the conservative People Power Party (PPP) candidate.
Millions have already voted in this snap election, with over one-third of registered voters participating in early voting days last week, according to the National Election Commission.
Polling results consistently show liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung in the lead, with a recent Gallup poll indicating that 49% of voters consider him the top option.
Kim Moon-soo, representing the conservative PPP—Yoon’s former party—follows with 35% support.
The aftermath of the martial law declaration, which left South Korea without effective leadership during the early months of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, is a significant concern for voters, experts assert.
“Polls indicate that the election is perceived largely as a referendum on the previous government,” stated Kang Joo-hyun, a political science professor at Sookmyung Women’s University.
“What’s notably alarming is that the martial law and impeachment crisis not only shifted the opinions of moderates but also weakened the conservative stronghold.”
Analysts point out that South Korea’s conservative party is currently in a precarious position.
Yoon’s impeachment over his controversial martial law decree—where armed soldiers were sent to parliament—marks him as the second consecutive conservative president ousted from power after Park Geun-hye in 2017.
Conservative candidate Kim was unable to persuade a third-party contender, Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, to merge efforts and prevent a split in the right-leaning vote.
A Pivotal Moment
“Conservative politics used to be associated with effective governance, but it’s increasingly difficult to argue that they are still capable,” remarked Kang Won-taek, a political science professor at Seoul National University.
Lee’s Democratic Party already commands a majority in parliament, and analysts suggest that the divided conservative base will struggle to mount an effective opposition unless they can resolve their internal conflicts.
In South Korea, presidents are limited to a single five-year term.
In regular elections, there is a month-long transition period, with the new president taking office at midnight following the final day of the outgoing leader.
However, in snap elections, the victorious candidate assumes the presidency as soon as the National Election Commission confirms the official vote count.
Following months of instability and a series of interim leaders, many South Koreans are eager for the nation to turn a new page.
In Gwangju, the spiritual center of South Korea’s left, 65-year-old retiree Jung Se-yoon described the election as a “turning point.”
“If we miss this opportunity, it will take an immense amount of time for the country to recover,” Jung warned.
Experts predict a high voter turnout.
“The attention will not only be on whether Lee wins, but whether he secures over 50% of the votes,” noted Bae Kang-hoon, co-founder of the political think tank Valid.
“Achieving this would provide him with significant momentum for his presidency.”
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey approaches reporters after his record-setting speech in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol on April 1, 2025. — AFP
On April 1, 2025, Senator Cory Booker, a Democratic legislator from New Jersey, made history with the longest speech ever recorded in the Senate, standing firm for more than 25 hours in a passionate protest against President Donald Trump’s “unconstitutional” policies.
In a dramatic showcase reminiscent of the iconic filibuster scene from Frank Capra’s 1939 classic film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” Booker maintained his stamina, refraining from even taking bathroom breaks.
Booker surpassed the previous record held by South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond, who engaged in a filibuster lasting 24 hours and 18 minutes against the 1957 Civil Rights Act.
As a trailblazer—being only the fourth African American senator elected by popular vote—Booker’s speech stretched to a remarkable 25 hours and five minutes. The Senate’s public galleries filled with spectators as he approached this new milestone, while many Democratic colleagues joined him in the chamber, though Republicans largely opted out.
“This is a moral moment. It’s not about left or right; it’s about right or wrong,” Booker declared as he concluded his heartfelt address.
He referenced his mentor, civil rights leader John Lewis, encouraging activists to get into “good trouble,” before finally stating, “Madam President, I yield the floor.”
In a lighter moment, once he crossed the record, the 55-year-old senator quipped, “I want to go a little past this and then I’m going to address some biological urgencies I’m feeling.”
A small crowd gathered outside the Capitol, waving signs that expressed gratitude with messages like “Thank you, Senator Booker.”
Democratic Mobilization
While Booker’s marathon speech did not obstruct the Republican majority from conducting votes—a hallmark of a traditional filibuster—his bold stance quickly became a symbol of resilience for embattled Democrats.
The former presidential candidate commenced his address at 7 PM on Monday and concluded at 8:05 PM on Tuesday, sharply criticizing Trump’s sweeping budget cuts, which were often pushed through by his chief advisor, Elon Musk, without congressional approval.
Booker exclaimed that Trump’s overreach of executive power posed a significant threat to U.S. democracy, stating, “Unnecessary hardships are being endured by Americans across the spectrum. Unique institutions that are integral to America are being recklessly and, I would argue, unconstitutionally harmed.”
In just over two months in office, Booker lamented the president had already caused considerable damage to the safety and financial stability of the American people and the very foundations of democracy.
Yet, he left his adversaries with a message of hope, asserting, “The power of the people exceeds the power of those in authority.”
The Physical Challenge
In discussing his endurance strategy, Booker detailed how he managed the rigors of such a lengthy speech. “I stopped eating on Friday and refrained from drinking the night before I began on Monday,” he shared with reporters at the Capitol. “It had its pros and serious cons… My muscles started cramping up from the dehydration.”
In an official statement, he admitted, “I’m tired and a little hoarse.”
With Democrats holding minority positions in both Chambers of Congress, they have struggled to counter Trump’s government downsizing initiatives and aggressive deportation strategies. Senator Raphael Warnock applauded him on the Senate floor, thanking him for his relentless dedication to the nation.
Throughout his oratory, Booker not only voiced his opposition to Trump’s policies but also shared poetry, discussed sports, and even entertained questions from his colleagues. “If you love your neighbor and this country, demonstrate that love. Prevent them from executing their intended actions,” he encouraged.
