Obama Launches Fierce Attack on Trump, Cites ‘Chaos, Cruelty and Corruption’
Former US president condemns Iran war, rising living costs and White House renovations as he rallies Democrats ahead of November 3 midterm elections
CLEVELAND: Former US President Barack Obama has launched a scathing attack on President Donald Trump’s administration, accusing it of creating “chaos, cruelty, corruption and incompetence” while urging voters to support Democratic candidates in the November 3 midterm elections.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday, Obama criticised Trump’s domestic and foreign policies, questioned his administration’s priorities and called on voters to hold Republicans accountable at the ballot box. His remarks came as Democrats sought to regain control of Congress and strengthen their position in key state-level contests.
“After two years of chaos and cruelty and corruption and incompetence, the likes of which we have not seen in modern times, you get a chance to say, ‘Enough is enough’,” Obama told supporters, according to media reports.
Obama made the US-Israel war on Iran a central part of his criticism of Trump’s foreign policy, arguing that the president had taken the country into a conflict that could have been avoided.
“The current president chose to make a series of bad decisions,” Obama said. “Most importantly, he decided to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for.”
The former president’s remarks reflected the Democrats’ efforts to place questions about national security, the economic consequences of the conflict and the cost of living at the centre of their election campaign.
Obama also questioned the administration’s handling of the economy, arguing that Trump had failed to give sufficient attention to the financial pressures facing ordinary Americans. Rising prices and affordability have emerged as significant issues in the campaign, with Democrats seeking to challenge the Republican president’s record on economic management.
He also mocked Trump’s plans for renovations at the White House, including the construction of a new ballroom and other improvements to the presidential complex.
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but he seems very focused on home renovation,” Obama said, joking that the president should appear on a home-improvement television programme.
He further ridiculed the extensive gold decorations associated with Trump’s White House renovations, using humour to contrast the projects with the financial difficulties faced by many American households.
Obama also criticised members of Trump’s administration, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, over what he portrayed as misplaced priorities. He argued that the government should focus on substantive national challenges rather than political theatrics and displays of power.
The former president said voters could still influence the direction of the country by electing Democratic candidates to Congress and state offices, even though Trump would remain in the White House for the next two years.
Obama condemns controversial advertisement targeting Amy Acton
A major part of Obama’s speech focused on the controversy surrounding Ohio’s gubernatorial race, particularly an advertisement released by Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy targeting his Democratic rival, Amy Acton.
The advertisement features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, disputing aspects of her daughter’s account of a difficult childhood involving abuse, neglect and homelessness. Acton has said she has not seen her mother since 1978, while her brother has supported her account of childhood sexual abuse by her stepfather, who died in 2004.
Obama condemned the advertisement and accused Ramaswamy of crossing the boundaries of acceptable political campaigning.
“In recent days, we’ve seen there is no line he will not cross, no low he will not sink to,” Obama said.
“There’s a decency we should expect out of our public officials,” he added, questioning how such an advertisement could be considered acceptable in political discourse.
Acton, who appeared alongside Obama at the rally, accused her Republican opponent of exploiting her painful childhood for political advantage.
“My opponent has chosen to exploit, intentionally, my childhood to save his stumbling campaign, but it’s not going to work,” Acton said, adding that “decency still matters”.
She said her experiences had helped shape her commitment to public service and her determination to improve the lives of children and families.
The advertisement has generated controversy in Ohio, with several prominent Republicans, including Governor Mike DeWine, calling for its removal. Trump and Vice President JD Vance have defended the advertisement, while Ramaswamy has maintained his position on the campaign material.
Obama backs Sherrod Brown in Senate contest
Obama also campaigned for former Ohio senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat seeking to return to the US Senate by challenging Republican incumbent Jon Husted.
The former president praised Brown for his record of advocating for working people and argued that the former senator had consistently focused on the concerns of ordinary families.
Brown, who previously served three terms in the Senate, criticised the Republican administration and argued that Ohio needed stronger representation for workers and middle-class households in Washington.
The Senate contest is among the closely watched races in Ohio, where Democrats are attempting to challenge the state’s increasingly Republican political landscape.
Obama’s support is intended to help energise Democratic voters and increase turnout ahead of Election Day. His appearance also highlighted the party’s effort to connect national concerns about Trump’s presidency with local issues affecting Ohio residents.
Acton, meanwhile, has focused her campaign on reducing medical debt, supporting public schools, lowering utility bills and making life more affordable for families.
Obama takes campaign message to Michigan
Following the Ohio rally, Obama travelled to Detroit, Michigan, to campaign for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who is challenging Republican Mike Rogers.
In Michigan, Obama continued his criticism of Trump and urged voters to participate in the elections, presenting the midterms as an opportunity to strengthen congressional oversight of the administration.
He also addressed political attacks against El-Sayed, whose progressive views and Muslim faith have featured in the campaign debate. Obama drew parallels with false claims about his own birthplace that surfaced during his presidential campaigns and encouraged Black voters to participate in the election.
The former president’s appearances in Ohio and Michigan form part of a broader Democratic effort to mobilise supporters in competitive states before November 3. He is also scheduled to campaign in Georgia, where Democrats are seeking to defend their Senate position and compete in the gubernatorial race.
Midterm elections could reshape Washington
The November 3 midterm elections will determine control of the US Congress and influence the extent to which Trump can advance his legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency.
Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, while Democrats are seeking to regain seats and strengthen their ability to scrutinise the administration’s policies.
Obama’s return to the campaign trail underscores the importance Democrats attach to his ability to attract supporters and energise voters. His speeches have focused on economic pressures, foreign policy, government accountability and what he describes as declining standards of conduct in American politics.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Sky News regarding Obama’s criticism, according to the broadcaster’s report. Reuters also reported that the White House had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
With Election Day approaching, both parties are intensifying their efforts to persuade voters, and the results will determine the balance of power in Washington as Trump continues his second term.
