James Carville told listeners on the Politics War Room podcast that President Trump is "losing everywhere" and called him a "loser" after a Pennsylvania "affordability" rally. He criticized Trump’s message dismissing cost-of-living concerns as a "Democrat hoax" while polls show 46% of adults view the current affordability crisis as the worst they remember. Carville pointed to recent Democratic gains and signs of GOP dissent as evidence Trump’s political momentum has weakened.
James Carville Calls Trump a “Loser,” Says His Winning Streak Is Over After Pennsylvania Rally
Dec 11
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Democratic strategist James Carville sharply criticized President Donald Trump on the Politics War Room podcast, saying the 79-year-old leader is "losing everywhere" after an "affordability" rally in Pennsylvania. Carville, 81, argued that Trump’s message and political momentum have faltered as voters react to cost-of-living pressures.
Carville’s Remarks
On the Wednesday episode of Politics War Room with James Carville and Al Hunt, Carville offered blunt commentary about the president’s standing:
“He’s not getting away with it. He’s done. We just got to butter this toast and slice it and eat it. You’re a loser, dude! You’re losing everywhere, and you’re going to lose more because you, my friend, are a loser!”
Context: Rally, Polls and Public Reaction
Carville and co-host Al Hunt were responding to Trump’s Pennsylvania speech, in which the president dismissed affordability concerns as a "Democrat hoax" and suggested steelworkers curb holiday spending to save money. That message landed amid polling showing 46% of American adults say the current cost-of-living crisis is the worst they can remember; 37% of self-identified Trump supporters expressed the same view.
Marjorie Taylor Greene has gone from a staunch MAGA loyalist to becoming more critical of Donald Trump. / Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, Trump’s approval rating hit a low of 38% in mid-November before edging up to 41% in December. Carville pointed to several recent local and state-level Democratic gains — including a Miami mayoral victory and a flipped Georgia House seat — as evidence that voters are reacting to economic issues.
Party Friction and Reaction
Carville also said Trump faces growing dissent within his own party. While some Republicans continue to back the former president, others have publicly criticized his approach. (Note: some earlier reports incorrectly stated that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned; she has been a vocal critic at times but, as of the latest reporting, had not formally resigned from Congress.)
Carville, who is married to Republican strategist Mary Matalin, reiterated his assessment that Trump’s standing is weakening and warned the president may not be fully aware of the degree of his eroding support. The Daily Beast reached out to the White House for comment and received no immediate response.
Why It Matters
Carville’s comments underscore how political messaging on economic pain points — and public perceptions of who is to blame — can influence local and national contests. With inflation and affordability high on voters’ minds, critics say dismissive rhetoric may carry political costs.
