Former US president Barack Obama delivered a pointed critique of incumbent Donald Trump during campaign events in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, less than two weeks before the November 3 midterm elections. Speaking at rallies in Cleveland and Detroit, Obama sought to energize Democratic voters by blaming Trump and the Republican Party for economic challenges and governance issues facing the country.
In Ohio, Obama appeared alongside Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown and gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, both engaged in closely contested races. He attributed rising fuel and living costs to decisions made by the Trump administration, specifically citing Trump’s choice to initiate a war in Iran as a primary factor driving up oil prices. “This is the reason why the price of oil is up,” Obama said, emphasizing that this impact was widely recognised.
The former president also criticised Trump’s personal conduct and priorities, drawing attention to the ongoing redecorations at the White House, including plans for a new ballroom. Obama quipped about the lavish gold decor, comparing the style to “Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory.” He suggested that Trump’s focus extended beyond governance to personal enrichment, noting the significant increase in Trump’s wealth during his presidency, including $1.4 billion earned from cryptocurrency ventures last year. Democrats have been highlighting allegations of corruption, pointing to Trump’s efforts to secure business dealings related to White House renovations, acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar, and controversial pardons.
Trump responded to these attacks by dismissing Obama’s and former president Bill Clinton’s criticisms, calling Obama “a lousy president” and framing both as political opponents critical because “we’ve beaten them.” On accusations of corruption, Trump retorted that “the real corruption” lay with Democrats. The White House defended Trump’s actions as being aimed at rooting out fraud and serving the American people’s best interests.
In Michigan, Obama campaigned for Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat in a competitive Senate race against Republican Mike Rogers. He characterized Trump’s second term as marked by “two years of chaos and cruelty and corruption and incompetence,” urging voters to reject the current Republican leadership. “After two years of chaos... you get a chance to say, ‘Enough is enough,’” Obama said, calling for change at the polls.
The midterm elections have been heavily influenced by Trump’s presence, despite his not being a candidate. Democrats have strategically centered their campaigns on portraying Trump and Republicans as responsible for economic hardships and ethical lapses, while Trump has encouraged Republican voters to “pretend I’m on the ballot” to boost turnout.
The outcome of races such as Sherrod Brown’s contest against Republican incumbent Jon Husted in Ohio may prove decisive in determining whether Democrats regain control of one or both chambers of Congress. As election day approaches, the sharp rhetoric underscores the high stakes and deep divisions defining this electoral cycle.