Ahead of the cinematic release of The Life of Chuck, based on his 2020 novella, acclaimed author Stephen King has once again launched a scathing critique of U.S. President Donald Trump, describing him as a “national nightmare” and warning of the cultural and political damage he believes Trump has inflicted on the country.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Guardian, King spoke about his career, the upcoming adaptation of his short story, and his enduring concerns about American democracy. While promoting the film, directed by Mike Flanagan, King pivoted to politics, calling Trump “a malignancy on the body politic” and expressing disbelief that the former president returned to office in 2025.
King accused Trump of eroding democratic norms, undermining truth, and fostering division, adding that “his brand of politics is a poison we’re still being forced to drink.” The author’s words echo previous public statements and social media posts in which he has criticized Trump since his first presidency.
The Life of Chuck—part of King’s 2020 short story collection If It Bleeds—is a three-part narrative blending drama, supernatural elements, and existential reflection. The film stars Tom Hiddleston in the title role and Mark Hamill in a key supporting part. Director Mike Flanagan, who has adapted multiple King works, has described the movie as “a deeply human story about endings, beginnings, and the small moments that define a life.” The film is scheduled for wide U.S. release this Friday.
King’s latest comments continue a years-long feud with Trump. The author has frequently used his platform to criticize the president’s policies, rhetoric, and behavior, while Trump has previously fired back on social media, dismissing King’s relevance. For many of King’s readers, his political outspokenness has become as much a part of his public persona as his horror fiction.
