Former US President Barack Obama has criticised President Donald Trump’s administration over the war in Iran, rising consumer prices and what he described as chaos and incompetence, as he campaigned for Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Speaking at campaign rallies in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, October 24, Obama urged voters to support Democrats, describing the elections as an opportunity to hold the administration accountable.
“This election is our last best chance to at least rein in some of the foolishness of this administration,” Obama told supporters in Ohio.
The former president acknowledged that economic concerns and inflation had contributed to Democratic losses in the 2024 presidential election but argued that Trump had failed to ease the cost-of-living pressure facing Americans.
“If you thought everything was too expensive before ‘you know who’, everything is more expensive now,” Obama said, referring to Trump without mentioning him by name.
Obama also criticised the administration’s handling of the war in Iran, arguing that the conflict had given Tehran leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for global oil shipments.
He further mocked Trump’s efforts to redecorate the White House, joking about the extensive use of gold in the renovations.
The rallies were held in support of Democratic candidates in Ohio, including former Senator Sherrod Brown, who is seeking to unseat Republican Senator Jon Husted, and gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, who is running against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.
Meanwhile, Trump campaigned for Republicans in Georgia, defending his administration’s immigration and tariff policies while portraying the United States as entering a period of renewed prosperity.
“We’re in the golden age of America,” Trump told supporters at a rally in Perry, Georgia.
The president acknowledged that oil prices were temporarily high but predicted they would fall, as rising fuel costs continue to put pressure on households.
Trump also promoted his tariff policies, claiming they were generating substantial revenue, and repeated a pledge to offer American adults a $5,000 payment if Republicans win both chambers of Congress. The proposal would require further details on funding and implementation.
During the rally, Trump attacked Democrats over immigration and border security, using derogatory language to describe several countries while arguing that his opponents would weaken border controls.
The November 3 midterm elections will determine control of the US Congress for the remainder of Trump’s term. The outcome will influence how easily the president can advance his legislative agenda.
Early voting is already underway in several states, with both parties intensifying their campaigns to mobilise supporters.
