Obama Warns: Former US President Barack Obama has cautioned that Donald Trump’s aggressive trade war policies are weakening America from within. He warned these actions not only damage the nation’s economy but also erode democratic values and harm the country’s global reputation. Obama stressed that under Trump’s leadership, the US is straying from its democratic principles, putting both its strength and international respect at risk.

Obama Warns: US Drifting From Democracy, Urges Youth to Defend Nation

Former US President Barack Obama recently voiced deep concern over America’s political climate, cautioning that the country is drifting away from its core democratic principles. Speaking at an event in Hartford, Connecticut, alongside noted historian Heather Cox, Obama urged young people to take the lead in protecting democracy before it’s too late.

Criticism of Trump Administration

Obama didn’t hold back from sharply criticizing the current government led by Donald Trump. He warned that those in power are steadily eroding the foundations of democracy. “In a healthy democracy, wrongs are challenged both inside and outside the government. But that’s not happening anymore,” he said.

He also called out the Trump administration’s fear-driven trade tactics, which he argued were not just economically harmful but morally troubling too. Drawing a contrast with his own presidency, Obama noted that even as China’s influence grew, he avoided overusing tariffs to protect America’s global standing. According to him, reckless trade wars only put the nation’s dignity at risk.

“America on a Path Like Hungary”

Obama compared the current state of US politics to countries like Hungary, where elections are held, but genuine democratic values are missing. He warned that America is inching down a similar path, where laws lose meaning and the spirit of democracy weakens. Citing the 2020 presidential election as an example, he reminded how Trump refused to accept defeat, falsely claiming widespread fraud. Such tactics, Obama said, dangerously undermine trust in the system.

Caution Over Lies and Manipulation

Obama explained how autocratic regimes often thrive by confusing the public. Referencing Russia, he highlighted an old KGB saying—adopted by Trump’s advisor Steve Bannon—which suggests that overwhelming people with lies makes them stop caring about the truth. “It doesn’t matter if a leader keeps lying. What’s dangerous is when people give up and start believing that nothing matters anymore. That’s how dictatorships grow,” Obama said.

He warned that many leaders within the Republican Party understand the truth but pretend everything is fine. This, he stressed, is a very dangerous situation for any democracy.

Appeal to Uphold the Law

Obama stressed that America’s constitutional system wasn’t perfect at birth but was gradually strengthened to protect fundamental rights. He pointed out that these aren’t just political ideas but shared American values, such as the right not to be detained or deported without due process.

Calling this one of the toughest times for US democracy since World War II, Obama said the country’s leadership now often lacks respect for the rule of law, judicial independence, and press freedom. “It’s not enough for ordinary citizens to stand up. People inside the system—judges, justice officials, lawmakers from any party—must also say, ‘No, this is wrong. The law is clear, and we must follow it,’” he urged. Without such safeguards inside government, democracy could lose its way.

A Message for Young People

Concluding his remarks, Obama expressed hope and turned to the next generation. “I’m still optimistic,” he said, encouraging young people to stay angry at wrongdoing but also to build bridges for real change. He advised them to engage even with those who might not agree on everything, because finding common ground is key to moving forward.

In his view, democracy cannot sustain itself—it needs people who care enough to protect it, from judges to ordinary citizens who take their constitutional oaths seriously. If that spirit fades, he warned, the nation risks sliding toward authoritarianism.

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