Former US President Barack Obama has stepped up his campaign for Democrats, attacking President Donald Trump over the war in Iran, rising prices and the conduct of his administration. His remarks came as both parties prepared for the November 3 midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.
Speaking at campaign events in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, Obama urged voters to use the election to challenge the current administration. He argued that the country had faced serious problems under Trump and said voters now had a chance to respond.
“This election is our last best chance to at least rein in some of the foolishness of this administration,” Obama told supporters in Ohio.
Trump delivered a different message at a rally in Georgia. He defended his policies on immigration and trade, claiming the country was entering a “golden age of America.”
The competing speeches showed how both sides are trying to shape the election debate around the economy, national security and the future direction of the country.
The midterms will decide which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate for the rest of Trump’s term. That balance of power will affect the president’s ability to pass laws, secure funding and advance his political agenda.
Obama targets economic concerns
Obama focused much of his criticism on the cost of living. He acknowledged that inflation and economic concerns after the Covid pandemic had pushed some voters away from Democrats in the 2024 election.
The former president said he understood those concerns but argued that Trump had failed to improve the situation. He claimed that many Americans were still struggling with high prices despite the promises made during the presidential campaign.
“If you thought everything was too expensive before ‘you know who’,” Obama said, referring to Trump without using his name, “everything is more expensive now”.
In Cleveland, Obama also accused the administration of creating problems through what he described as chaos, cruelty, corruption and incompetence.
“After two years of chaos and cruelty and corruption and incompetence, the likes of which we have not seen in the modern era, you get a chance to say, ‘enough is enough’,” he said.
His comments were aimed at encouraging Democratic voters to take part in the election. They also sought to appeal to people who remain concerned about household costs and the administration’s handling of domestic and international issues.
Trump defends his record
Trump used his rally in Perry, Georgia, to promote his economic policies. He highlighted tariffs as a source of revenue and argued that his administration was making the country stronger.
“We’re taking in massive amounts of money through tariffs,” Trump told the crowd.
He also repeated a pledge to offer every adult American a $5,000 payment if Republicans win both chambers of Congress. The proposal was part of his appeal to voters ahead of the midterms.
However, Trump acknowledged that oil prices were temporarily high. He said fuel costs would fall and expressed confidence in the direction of the US economy.
“Our country is getting stronger and stronger all the time, and those pump prices are going to come down,” he said.
Energy costs have become a concern for the administration as conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine put pressure on fuel markets. Higher prices at petrol stations can affect household budgets and increase pressure on the president to show progress on the economy.
Immigration remains a major issue
Trump also made immigration a central part of his speech. He accused Democrats of threatening national wealth and border security, telling supporters they would “loot your wealth” and “annihilate your borders.”
He criticized immigration from Libya, Yemen, Haiti and Somalia, describing those countries in derogatory terms. Trump also recalled a discussion with senators in which he questioned why the United States accepted migrants from some countries rather than from nations such as Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
His remarks reflected the sharp divide between the two parties over immigration policy. Trump has made tighter border controls a key part of his political platform, while Democrats have challenged his approach.
Trump casts early vote in Florida
Early voting has already begun ahead of Election Day. Trump cast his ballot in Florida on Saturday, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.
The president’s vote came as Republicans and Democrats continued their campaigns across the country. Both sides are seeking to persuade voters that their policies offer the best response to economic pressure and other national concerns.
The midterm results will have a direct effect on the final years of Trump’s presidency. If Republicans retain control of Congress, the administration could find it easier to advance its legislative plans. If Democrats gain control of either chamber, they could increase oversight and create obstacles for parts of the president’s agenda.
Obama’s campaign appearances show that Democrats are seeking to make the election a judgment on Trump’s record. The president, meanwhile, is defending his policies and presenting his administration as a source of economic strength.
With voting underway, the contest is focused on prices, immigration, foreign policy and control of Washington. The results on November 3 will determine the balance of power in Congress and shape the political battles ahead.
