Former US President Barack Obama has criticised President Donald Trump over the war with Iran, rising living costs and his administration’s record, as he campaigned for Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Obama made the remarks at rallies in Cleveland, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan, on Saturday, October 24, urging voters to hold the Trump administration accountable and support Democratic candidates seeking to challenge Republican control of Congress.
Speaking in Cleveland, where he campaigned for Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown and gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, Obama blamed Trump’s decisions for rising consumer prices, particularly fuel costs.
“The current president chose to make a series of bad decisions,” Obama said. “Most importantly, he decided to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for.”
The former president argued that the conflict with Iran had contributed to higher oil and fuel prices, increasing pressure on American households. He also criticised Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, which was negotiated during Obama’s presidency.
Obama later campaigned in Detroit for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. He urged voters to use the midterm elections to demand greater accountability from the administration, describing the November 3 vote as an opportunity to curb what he called excessive actions by the president.
He also criticised Trump’s focus on renovations at the White House, including plans for a new ballroom and extensive gold decorations, arguing that the president should give greater attention to the economic pressures facing Americans.
The rallies form part of the Democrats’ effort to regain control of one or both chambers of Congress. The elections will determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives and Senate for the remainder of Trump’s term.
Obama’s comments come amid continuing concerns over energy prices and the economic consequences of the Iran conflict. TheDailyNewsHub previously reported on oil prices rising after Trump rejected Iran’s truce offer, highlighting market concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies.
Trump responded to Obama’s criticism in a post on Truth Social, attacking his predecessor’s record and defending his own position on Iran.
The White House and Trump’s allies have defended the administration’s policies, while Democrats have made the cost of living, foreign policy and government accountability central themes of their midterm campaign.