Simone Lawson
Former US President Barack Obama has warned that the country is dangerously close to normalizing autocratic behaviour and moving away from democracy under President Donald Trump's administration. Obama, who has largely avoided the spotlight since leaving office, criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies and its commitment to democracy. Obama's comments come amid nationwide protests against Trump's policies and have sparked discussions about the role of former presidents in speaking out against their successors. While Obama's call for a broad-scale resistance has gained support, it has also raised questions about the state of American democracy and the impact of Trump's leadership on its future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Obama's criticism of Trump | Obama's criticism of Trump's administration and its immigration policies, and his warning about the future of American democracy |
| Trump's actions | Issuing executive orders targeting law firms, threatening democracy, and normalizing behavior "consistent with autocracies" |
| Obama's response | Calling for a broad-scale resistance, including institutions, law firms, universities, and members of both parties |
| Public opinion | About half of Americans (49%) believe American democracy is "under attack," with Democrats more concerned than Republicans |
| Obama's role | As a former president, Obama has generally avoided criticizing his successor, but has spoken out against Trump's actions |
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What You'll Learn
Obama's criticism of Trump's immigration policies
Former US President Barack Obama has criticized his successor Donald Trump's immigration policies on several occasions. Obama has spoken out against the Trump administration's immigration raids and its treatment of unauthorized immigrants. In a speech at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford, Connecticut, Obama warned that the US is ""dangerously close to normalizing behavior" prevalent in authoritarian nations. He cited the example of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, where elections are held but the system is not considered fair and just.
Obama has also taken to social media to address immigration, drawing attention to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was established during his presidency in 2012. He highlighted the contrast between DACA, which protected young people who were American in all but paperwork, and the current situation, where similar families are being "demonized and treated as enemies." Obama emphasized the importance of recognizing common humanity and treating everyone with dignity and respect in the context of immigration.
In addition to his public statements, Obama's administration had a different approach to immigration enforcement priorities compared to Trump's policies. Obama's policy, set in 2014, included detailed enforcement priorities with a strict hierarchy, essentially protecting unauthorized immigrants who did not fall within the narrow priorities. In contrast, Trump's removal policy focuses on "criminal" aliens but also references broad sections of immigration law, making all unauthorized immigrants priorities for removal at any time. Trump's policy is governed by the principle that no group of immigrants will be exempted from enforcement through prosecutorial discretion.
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Obama's call for broad-scale resistance
In a rare foray into domestic politics, former US President Barack Obama made a veiled yet remarkable call for broad-scale resistance against the Trump administration, arguing that American democracy is “dangerously close" to moving away from its ideals and towards autocracy. Obama's comments, delivered at an event prohibiting audio and video recordings, did not mention Trump by name but were clearly directed at the current administration's policies and their impact on democratic institutions.
Obama emphasised the need for “uncomfortable" sacrifices from various sectors, including institutions, law firms, universities, and members of both political parties, to defend democracy. He highlighted the weak commitment to the principles of a liberal democracy exhibited by those in power, stating that there needed to be a "response and pushback" from civil society and individuals outside of government. Obama also pointed to the importance of having people within the government who would stand up and say, "No, you can't do that".
The former president's remarks come amidst nationwide protests against the Trump administration's immigration raids and deportations, which Obama characterised as "demonizing" families seeking to live and work in the country. He drew a contrast between the current situation and his own administration's efforts to protect young undocumented immigrants through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme. Obama acknowledged that while the US immigration system is broken, it can be fixed while still treating people "with dignity and respect".
Obama's call for resistance is particularly notable given the traditional norm of former presidents refraining from criticising their successors. However, he has chosen to speak out due to the gravity of the moment, with the foundations of American democracy perceived to be under threat. Obama's comments resonate with the sentiments expressed by generals who served under Trump, who cautiously warned of the dangers posed by the former president's leadership.
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Obama's warning about America's democracy
During a tumultuous period for the country, former US President Barack Obama warned that America was "dangerously close" to moving away from democracy and towards autocracy. Speaking at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford, Connecticut, Obama highlighted the Trump administration's weak commitment to liberal democratic values, including the rule of law, an independent judiciary, freedom of the press, and the right to protest. He emphasised the need for pushback from civil society, institutions, and individuals outside and within the government to prevent the normalisation of autocratic behaviour. Obama also addressed the polarisation between voters and public officials, citing the 2020 election as an example of how this discord can lead to false claims and undermine democracy.
Obama's comments came amid nationwide protests against the Trump administration's immigration raids and deportations of unauthorised immigrants. Obama criticised these policies, reflecting on his own administration's efforts to protect young people who were American in every way but on paper through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme. He emphasised the importance of treating immigrants with dignity and respect while also upholding the law.
Despite his warnings about the state of American democracy, Obama expressed optimism about the future. He encouraged young people to remain hopeful and emphasised the importance of being impatient with injustice and cruelty. Obama also highlighted the need for collaboration and finding common ground to bring about positive change.
Obama's remarks offered a cautious critique of the Trump administration and a call to restore democracy by upholding core democratic values. While some Democratic officials and voters desired more vocal opposition to Trump, Obama's approach was deliberate, believing that a steady stream of criticism would dilute the power of his voice.
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Obama's remarks on Trump's second term
During Donald Trump's second term as president, Barack Obama has made a rare public appearance, speaking out against the Trump administration. While Obama never mentioned Trump by name, he offered thinly veiled criticisms of the president and questioned the administration's commitment to democracy. Obama warned that the US was "dangerously close" to a more autocratic government, citing the administration's immigration policies as an example of behaviour that is "not consistent with American democracy".
Obama called for a broad-scale resistance from institutions, law firms, universities, members of both parties, and even Justice Department figures to defend democracy. He suggested that everyone would soon be "tested" in some way and would have to decide on their commitments, acknowledging that it would be "uncomfortable" to take a stand. He specifically cited how law firms that don't bow to Trump will have to accept reduced billings, and businesses that resist the administration's bullying may face retribution.
Obama's remarks come amid nationwide protests against the Trump administration, including the "No Kings" protests, where millions of Americans demonstrated against Trump. Obama praised the pushback from individuals outside of government but stressed that elected officials, including those in his own party, need to do more to protect American institutions. He argued that one of the main issues behind the conflict is that voters and public officials can't agree on what's factual.
While some have praised Obama for breaking his silence, others have criticised him for not being more outspoken in his criticism of Trump. "The View" co-host Ana Navarro, for example, urged Obama to speak out more forcefully, calling the situation "an American nightmare". Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Institute, expressed disappointment that Obama hasn't used his megaphone more, especially when "nobody else quite has it".
Despite his concerns, Obama remains hopeful that American democracy will prevail. He offered advice to young people about how they can "deliver on change", emphasising the importance of being "impatient with injustice and cruelty" and finding common ground with people who may not agree with them on everything.
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Obama's comments on Trump's executive orders
During his presidency, Barack Obama faced criticism from Republicans for his use of executive orders. In 2014, Obama declared: "We're not just going to be waiting for legislation in order to make sure that we're providing Americans the kind of help they need. I've got a pen, and I've got a phone." This statement was later echoed by Donald Trump, who criticised Obama's use of executive orders, stating: "The country wasn't based on executive orders... He can't even get along with the Democrats, and he goes around signing all these executive orders. It's a basic disaster. You can't do it."
Despite his criticism of Obama, Trump has issued a similar number of executive orders during his presidency. By 2019, Trump had issued 130 executive orders, compared to Obama's 108 in his first three years. Trump has relied on executive orders and emergency declarations to push through his campaign promises, such as authorising a border wall and banning travellers from predominantly Muslim countries.
Obama has generally refrained from directly criticising Trump by name, following an unspoken rule among ex-presidents to avoid publicly criticising the sitting commander-in-chief. However, Obama has made subtle comments alluding to Trump's policies and behaviour. For example, Obama criticised the Trump administration's immigration policies, stating: "DACA was an example of how we can be a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. And it's an example worth remembering today, when families with similar backgrounds who just want to live, work, and support their communities, are being demonized and treated as enemies."
Obama has also warned that the United States is "dangerously close" to moving away from democracy under the Trump administration. He cited the behaviour of the Trump administration as "consistent with autocracies" and expressed concern over the normalisation of such behaviour. Obama argued that the conflict arises from a lack of agreement between voters and public officials on what is factual.
In response to Obama's criticism, the White House has countered that Obama should "spend less time whining about his total lack of relevance" and focus on revitalising the Democratic Party.
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Frequently asked questions
Obama warned that America is "dangerously close" to moving away from democracy and towards autocracy under Trump's administration. He criticized the administration's immigration policies and their weak commitment to liberal democracy.
Obama called for a broad-scale resistance from institutions, law firms, universities, members of both parties, and Justice Department figures to defend democracy. He suggested that Trump supporters would have to make uncomfortable sacrifices and face political investigations or mergers being held up.
Trump supporters, including Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, accused Obama of abusing executive action and violating the Constitution. They argued that Obama was acting against the wishes of Congress and the American people, threatening the separation of powers.
Obama acknowledged the limitations of his power, stating, "This notion that somehow I can just change the laws unilaterally is just not true." He emphasized the need to enforce existing laws while also treating immigrants with dignity and respect.
