Washington D.C. – Former President Barack Obama delivered a scathing critique of the Trump management during campaign appearances for Democratic candidates in Virginia and New Jersey on November 2nd and 3rd, 2025. Obama characterized the current state of the U.S.as “dark times,” leveling accusations of lawlessness, recklessness, and cruelty against President Trump’s policies.
Obama specifically targeted Trump’s economic and security approaches, criticizing the implementation of tariff policies as “chaotic” and questioning the deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities. He lamented what he perceived as a failure by Republican lawmakers to hold Trump accountable,even when aware of perceived overreach.
“Frankly, our country and our policies are in some pretty dark times right now,” Obama stated while campaigning for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. “It’s difficult where to start. Because every day,this White House presents the people with a new package of lawless acts,recklessness,cruelty and downright madness.”
The former president also drew a pointed analogy, stating, “It’s like every day is Halloween, but it’s all gimmicks, with nothing fun.” He further criticized Trump’s priorities, referencing renovations to the White House, including resurfacing the Rose Garden courtyard with asphalt and the construction of a $300 million ballroom, even during a federal goverment shutdown. Obama expressed shock at the willingness of business leaders, law firms, and universities to accommodate the Trump administration.
