Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump’s second term on Thursday, focusing on his actions that they viewed as harmful to the country.
Obama, in an interview at Hamilton College, condemned Trump’s reshaping of the government, crackdown on immigration, and attempts to intimidate media and the legal system. He expressed concern over the administration’s infringement on rights, particularly in threatening universities and law firms that oppose Trump. “This kind of behavior is contrary to our basic American values,” Obama said.
Harris, speaking at the Leading Women Defined Summit, said Trump’s actions since returning to office were predictable. She acknowledged the widespread fear created by his presidency, with organizations remaining silent or yielding to unconstitutional threats. Despite this, Harris emphasized that courage is contagious and must overcome fear.
Obama and Harris have both warned about the dangers of Trump’s presidency and the erosion of democratic norms.