Former US President Barack Obama has sharply criticised Donald Trump, targeting his administration’s alleged corruption, Iran war strategy and White House renovations. He also urged voters to use the November 3 midterm elections to hold the president accountable.
Obama delivered the remarks Saturday while campaigning for Democratic candidates in Cleveland and Detroit. His appearances aimed to energise Democratic supporters ahead of crucial congressional contests.
In Michigan, Obama campaigned for US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who faces Republican Mike Rogers, a former US representative. He described the upcoming election as an opportunity to limit Trump’s political influence.
Obama Calls Midterm Election a ‘Circuit Breaker’
Obama urged voters to treat the November 3 election as a turning point for Trump’s presidency. He argued that Democrats needed stronger congressional representation to increase government accountability.
“We got to flip that circuit breaker, bring some accountability to this government,” Obama said.
The former president, who served from 2009 until Trump took office in 2017, remains a prominent Democratic figure. Consequently, party leaders hope his campaign appearances will strengthen voter enthusiasm.
Obama also accused Trump of exploiting the presidency for personal advantage. Furthermore, he criticised Republicans for supporting the administration despite concerns over governance.
“We have never seen a president excel in straight-up grifting, on your dime, like this,” Obama said. “Never seen a president so intent on selling favors like this … Now the party seems to stand for corrupt government, or inept government, or no government.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Obama Challenges Trump’s Iran War Victory Claims
Obama also questioned the administration’s claims of victory against Iran. He argued that the conflict had strengthened Tehran’s economic leverage.
In particular, he pointed to tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments. Iran’s threats against shipping have unsettled oil exporters, according to the report.
“Iran now has veto power over the Strait of Hormuz, where oil goes through to get to the world,” Obama said.
His remarks challenged the administration’s portrayal of the war’s outcome. They also highlighted concerns about the conflict’s potential consequences for energy markets.
White House Renovations Draw Sharp Mockery
Beyond foreign policy, Obama ridiculed Trump’s approach to White House renovations. He described the makeover as excessive and criticised its gilded appearance.
“He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory,” Obama said.
Obama also took aim at Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, mocking the administration’s focus on military personnel’s physical appearance.
He sarcastically described Hegseth as someone “laser-focused on important matters like the jawline and testosterone levels of our troops”.
Poll Highlights Concerns Over Trump’s Business Interests
Questions about Trump’s business dealings also featured prominently in Obama’s criticism. An August Reuters/Ipsos poll found widespread public concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
According to the poll, 63% of Americans believed Trump and his family had inappropriately profited from cryptocurrency since his return to the White House. Additionally, 69% believed his policy decisions were influenced by private business dealings.
The findings add political significance to Obama’s campaign message as voters prepare for the November 3 elections. Ultimately, the results will determine control of a closely divided Congress.
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