Home · Politics · Oct 24 archive
Obama blasts Trump’s ‘chaos and cruelty’ while campaigning for Democrats
· Confirmed
In Short: Former US President Barack Obama delivered scathing criticisms of President Donald Trump at rallies in Ohio and Michigan to support Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Former US President Barack Obama delivered scathing criticisms of President Donald Trump at rallies in Ohio and Michigan to support Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, according to reports from Arabnews (Saudi Arabia), Scmp (Hong Kong), and Straitstimes (Singapore).
Obama's remarks were particularly harsh, with Arabnews (Saudi Arabia) and Scmp (Hong Kong) reporting that he took digs at Trump's renovation projects across the US capital, including the botched renovation of the National Mall's Reflecting Pool and the construction of a massive White House Ballroom. Obama also mocked the 'guilded decorations' Trump has adorned the Oval Office with during his second tenure, as reported by Arabnews (Saudi Arabia) and Straitstimes (Singapore).
Obama's criticism extended beyond aesthetics. Arabnews (Saudi Arabia) and Scmp (Hong Kong) noted that he described Trump's second term as one of 'chaos and cruelty and corruption and incompetence, the likes of which we have not seen in the modern era.' He also criticized Trump's foreign policies, as reported by Al Jazeera (Qatar).
In a jab at Trump's focus on home renovations, Obama said, 'He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory,' according to Arabnews (Saudi Arabia), AFP, and NBC News. The crowd at the Cleveland rally erupted with laughter, as reported by NewsCord.
Obama urged voters to cast their ballots as soon as possible since early voting is already open in both states, as reported by Arabnews (Saudi Arabia), Straitstimes (Singapore), and AFP. He also highlighted the importance of voting, stating, 'Most importantly, he decided to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for,' as reported by Arabnews (Saudi Arabia), AFP, and Al Jazeera (Qatar).
In Ohio, Obama criticized Trump's focus on home renovations, saying, 'Does anybody really think this guy in the White House right now is spending all that time thinking about these issues?' as reported by AOL.com and NBC News. He also mocked Trump's appearance, saying, 'He still is wearing the same suit he was in when I met him 20 years ago,' as reported by NBC News and AOL.com.
The rallies in Ohio and Michigan were part of a broader effort to mobilize voters ahead of the midterm elections. Obama's appearances were met with strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Trump, meanwhile, called Obama a 'lousy president,' as reported by NewsCord.
What's confirmed
- Obama also took digs at Trump's renovation projects across the US capital, including his botched renovation of the National Mall's Reflecting Pool, his construction of a massive White House Ballroom and the guilded decorations he has adorned the Oval Office with during his second tenure.
- "We are voting for change right here in Ohio."
- "Imagine the power duo of Abdul and Elissa," Obama said, referring to the incumbent Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, who is not up for election this year.
- "He's got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory," Obama said, referring to popular but indulgent American restaurant chain.
- Obama also urged voters to cast their ballots as soon as possible since early voting is already open in both states.
- WASHINGTON, United States: Former US president Barack Obama delivered scathing criticisms of his successor, Donald Trump, at rallies Saturday in Ohio and Michigan to support Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
- “He still is wearing the same suit he was in when I met him 20 years ago,” Obama said of Brown, who has a reputation for keeping a rumpled appearance.
- “Ohioans can’t afford a liberal governor who shows up for Obama but never shows up for them,” said Ramaswamy spokesperson Connie Luck.
- "Most importantly, he decided to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for."
- Brown, who spent nearly 50 years in public office before losing his Senate seat in 2024, argued in his speech that “corruption is woven into everything” in Washington.
- The moment called back to the “Lock her up!” chants that rang out at Trump rallies when he campaigned against Hillary Clinton in 2016.
- “The current president chose to make a series of bad decisions,” the 65-year-old Democrat said in Cleveland.
What's still developing
- The stepfather, who died in 2004, was charged with rape.
- After Cleveland, Obama will head north to Michigan this evening for a rally in Detroit alongside Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate candidate.
- While both of Michigan’s Senate seats are currently held by Democrats, El-Sayed, from the party’s left wing, is in a close race with Republican Mike Rogers.
- Later on Saturday evening, Obama headed to Michigan, where he condemned critics of Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, suggesting that they are using the 41-year-old politician’s name and Muslim faith to tear him down.
- At the Detroit rally, he framed the November 3 vote as a “circuit breaker” to “at least rein in some of the foolishness” of Trump’s presidency.
- “This midterm election victory runs through Ohio,” Rep. Shontel Brown, a Democrat whose district includes a large part of Cleveland, said as she warmed up the crowd.
- The NBC News account said Ramaswamy’s campaign planned a $4 million push to air the ad, and it described Donna Arthur calling Acton a “liar” in the video.
- In both states, the 65-year-old former president blamed the Trump administration for the rising cost of living, a top voter concern amid soaring fuel prices.