Ossoff Calls Trump 'Symptom of Deeper Disease' in Society

The Georgia senator criticized the former president's corruption and divisiveness in a recent TV appearance.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) sharply criticized former President Donald Trump, calling him a 'symptom of a deeper disease in our society' due to his divisive rhetoric and alleged corruption. Ossoff, who is running for reelection in 2026, has made tackling political corruption a key part of his campaign platform.

Why it matters

Ossoff's comments reflect the ongoing political tensions and debates around the legacy of the Trump presidency, as well as the broader concerns about the state of American democracy. As a prominent Democratic senator in a swing state, Ossoff's views carry significant weight and could influence the national discourse ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The details

In an appearance on CBS's 'The Late Show,' Ossoff accused Trump of rerigging the system for his own benefit rather than draining the swamp as he had promised. The senator also criticized Trump and his allies during a speech at an Atlanta church, referring to the former president as 'spiritually broken' and someone who has dug a 'moral pit' through his actions.

  • On February 19, 2026, Ossoff made the comments criticizing Trump during an appearance on 'The Late Show'.
  • In a recent speech at an Atlanta church, Ossoff also referred to Trump as 'spiritually broken' and someone who has dug a 'moral pit'.

The players

Sen. Jon Ossoff

A Democratic senator from Georgia who is running for reelection in 2026. Ossoff has made tackling political corruption a key part of his campaign platform.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whom Ossoff criticized as a 'symptom of a deeper disease in our society' due to his divisive rhetoric and alleged corruption.

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What they’re saying

“I think Donald Trump's rise — Donald Trump himself — is a symptom of a deeper disease in our society. I mean, how is it that a demagogue who promised to tear it all down was twice elected to the presidency on false promises?”

— Sen. Jon Ossoff (The Late Show)

“A government transformed into a tool of one man's vengeance and enrichment. A spiritually broken president who digs the moral pit deeper and deeper.”

— Sen. Jon Ossoff (Atlanta church speech)

What’s next

Ossoff's comments are likely to continue to shape the political discourse leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress and address concerns about the state of American democracy.

The takeaway

Ossoff's scathing criticism of Trump reflects the deep partisan divisions in the country and the ongoing debates around the former president's legacy. As a prominent Democratic senator in a swing state, Ossoff's views could have a significant impact on the national political landscape in the run-up to the 2026 midterms.