Barack Obama targets Trump at Democratic midterm campaign rallies

Former US President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump during weekend campaign appearances, urging voters to use the approaching midterm elections to check the Republican administration's policies and conduct.

Speaking at events in Detroit and Cleveland roughly ten days before the November 3 vote, Obama sought to mobilize Democratic supporters in crucial races. In Michigan, he rallied for Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who is competing against Republican former representative Mike Rogers, as well as gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson.

Obama described the election as a necessary circuit breaker to bring accountability and curb what he termed the foolishness of Trump's time in office. Pointing to public ethical concerns, Obama accused Trump of using his office for financial advantage and argued that the current Republican leadership represents corrupt or ineffective governance.

Recent polling reflects persistent public unease regarding these issues. An August survey by Reuters and Ipsos revealed that 63 percent of Americans believe Trump and his family have improperly gained from cryptocurrency investments since his return to the White House, while 69 percent believe his official decisions have been affected by his personal commercial interests.

The former president also challenged the administration's foreign policy record, especially regarding Iran. Obama argued that regional hostilities have not produced a decisive triumph but have instead granted Tehran significant economic leverage. He noted that threats against maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global petroleum markets, giving Iran excessive influence over critical shipping routes.

During his speeches, Obama turned to satire to target the administration's leadership and priorities. He mocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for focusing on troop aesthetics, and he derided recent decorative changes to the executive mansion, joking that the president had made the White House resemble an establishment designed by Saddam Hussein and a Cheesecake Factory.

The White House did not issue an immediate response to Obama's criticisms. Control of both chambers of Congress remains closely contested as candidates enter the final phase of campaigning before election day.