Obama attacks Trump over rising living costs ahead of US midterms
Former United States president Barack Obama has criticised President Donald Trump’s administration over rising living costs, accusing it of poor decisions as Democrats intensify their campaigns ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Speaking at campaign rallies in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, Obama urged voters to support Democratic candidates seeking to challenge Republican control of Congress.
The former president blamed Trump’s policies for worsening economic pressures on American households, describing the administration’s record as one of chaos and incompetence.
“The current president chose to make a series of bad decisions,” Obama told supporters in Cleveland, Ohio, where he campaigned for former Democratic senator Sherrod Brown.
He also criticised the administration’s war against Iran, arguing that the conflict had contributed to rising global oil prices and increased financial hardship.
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“Most importantly, he decided to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for,” Obama said.
Obama accused the administration of presiding over what he described as two years of political instability, urging Americans to use the elections to express their dissatisfaction.
In Michigan, he campaigned for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who is contesting against Republican Mike Rogers.
Obama highlighted the prospect of El-Sayed serving alongside Democratic senator Elissa Slotkin, describing their different religious backgrounds as a reflection of America’s diversity.
However, Trump responded on Sunday through his Truth Social platform, criticising Obama’s presidency and urging Michigan voters to support Rogers.
“Obama was a grossly incompetent President!” Trump declared, accusing his predecessor of making concessions to Iran under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement during his first presidential term and subsequently imposed extensive sanctions on Tehran.
Obama also criticised Trump’s renovation projects in Washington, including changes to the White House and the National Mall.
He urged supporters to participate in early voting rather than wait until election day.
“Don’t procrastinate, don’t equivocate,” he said.
In Ohio, Brown is challenging Republican senator Jon Husted, while Democrat Amy Acton faces Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the governorship contest.
The elections will determine control of Congress for the remainder of Trump’s presidential term, with Democrats seeking to regain influence over federal legislation and government oversight.