American author Douglas Kennedy said President Donald Trump is a criminal and a "voyou" during a televised interview in France [1].
Kennedy's comments highlight the deep ideological divide regarding the current administration's impact on American democratic stability and the rule of law. As a prominent literary figure, his critique reflects a specific strain of intellectual opposition to the president's conduct.
Speaking on the program "Le Figaro La Nuit" on Thursday, June 12, 2026, Kennedy said the future of the United States looks bleak under Trump's leadership [1, 2]. He specifically labeled the president a "criminel" and a "voyou," a French term for a thug or hoodlum [1].
Kennedy said his concerns stem from Trump's conduct and policies, which he believes make the president a criminal [1]. He suggested that these behaviors pose a direct danger to the democratic future of the U.S. [1].
The interview was recorded and aired in France, providing a platform for the author to discuss his perspective on the American political landscape from an international vantage point [1, 2]. Kennedy said the president's nature is incompatible with democratic leadership [1].
“« Notre président est un criminel, un voyou »”
This critique reflects the ongoing tension between the U.S. executive branch and intellectual critics who view the administration's governance style as a departure from democratic norms. By using terms like 'criminal' and 'voyou,' Kennedy frames the political conflict not as a policy disagreement, but as a fundamental crisis of character and legality.
