Obama Slams Trump’s ‘Lawlessness and Recklessness,’ Urges Voters to Back Democrats

Washington: Former U.S. President Barack Obama has launched a strong attack on Donald Trump’s administration, calling it a period of “lawlessness and recklessness.” He urged Americans to vote for Democratic candidates in the upcoming governor elections in Virginia and New Jersey.

Speaking at a rally for Abigail Spanberger in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama said the country was in a “dark place” under Trump’s influence.
“Every day this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness, recklessness, mean-spiritedness, and just plain craziness,” Obama told a cheering crowd at Old Dominion University.

Criticism of Trump’s Policies

Obama criticized Trump’s tariff policies and the deployment of National Guard troops in U.S. cities, calling the actions “misguided” and “chaotic.”
He also accused Republican lawmakers of failing to hold Trump accountable, saying they allowed him to go unchecked.

At another rally in Newark, New Jersey, Obama compared the Trump administration to an endless Halloween:
“It’s like every day is Halloween — except it’s all tricks and no treats,” he joked, earning laughter from the audience.
He mocked Trump for focusing on “superficial projects,” saying, “He’s been busy paving the Rose Garden and building a $300 million ballroom.”

Tight Governor Races

In Virginia, polls show Abigail Spanberger, 46, leading over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, 61. Spanberger, a former CIA officer and Congress member, has focused her campaign on education, healthcare, and reproductive rights.

In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill holds a narrow lead over Republican Jack Ciatterelli, 63, a former state assemblyman making his third run for governor. The state has become more competitive, with Trump losing New Jersey by just six points in the 2024 presidential race.

Obama’s Message

Obama urged voters to defend “truth, compassion, and democracy” against what he called an “unprecedented disregard for the rule of law.”
“Democracy doesn’t disappear overnight,” he warned. “It erodes when people stop paying attention. It’s up to all of us to push back and protect what’s right.”