Former President Barack Obama has criticized President Donald Trump over the Iran war, rising prices and his administration’s record as the US midterm elections approach. Obama urged voters to support Democrats, saying the November vote offers a chance to limit Trump’s power.
Speaking at campaign events in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, Obama said the country needed stronger checks on the administration. He described the election as an important moment for voters who are unhappy with the president’s decisions.
“This election is our last best chance to at least rein in some of the foolishness of this administration,” Obama told a crowd in Ohio.
Trump held a rally in Georgia on the same day. He defended his policies on immigration and tariffs, telling supporters that the country was entering a “golden age of America.”
The campaign events reflect the growing battle between Republicans and Democrats ahead of the November 3 elections. The vote will decide which party controls Congress for the rest of Trump’s presidency.
Obama Focuses on Economic Pressure
Obama argued that many Americans are still struggling with high living costs. He said he understood why some voters turned away from Democrats in 2024, when inflation and economic concerns played a major role.
However, the former president said Trump had failed to ease those pressures. He claimed that many goods and services had become even more expensive under the current administration.
“If you thought everything was too expensive before ‘you know who’, everything is more expensive now,” Obama said, referring to Trump without using his name.
Obama also attacked the administration’s conduct. During his speech in Cleveland, he accused the government of chaos, cruelty, corruption and incompetence.
He also mocked Trump’s efforts to redecorate the White House. His remarks were aimed at questioning the president’s priorities at a time when many households remain concerned about their finances.
The cost of living is expected to remain a key issue during the final days of campaigning. Voters are also watching fuel prices, which have risen amid conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine.
Trump Promises Lower Fuel Prices
Trump acknowledged that oil prices were temporarily high but predicted that they would fall. He told supporters that the country was becoming stronger despite the current pressure on energy costs.
Rising oil prices have created a challenge for the president. Fuel costs affect drivers directly and can also raise expenses for transport companies and other businesses.
Trump has faced pressure to deliver lower prices after promising to improve the economy. His comments in Georgia suggested that he expects the market to improve, though he did not give a specific timeline for a decline.
The president also defended his tariff policies. He claimed that the government was collecting large amounts of money through tariffs and argued that Democrats would put Americans’ wealth at risk.
Trump further accused Democrats of weakening border security. He said Republicans would defeat their opponents across the country and predicted that the election results would surprise observers.
His visit to Georgia was intended in part to support Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins. The party is working to protect its position in Congress as voters prepare to cast their ballots.
Trump Repeats $5,000 Payment Pledge
Trump also repeated a promise to give every adult American $5,000 if Republicans win control of both chambers of Congress.
The pledge adds a direct financial promise to the Republican campaign message. However, the remarks did not explain how the payments would be funded or how the plan would work.
The proposal comes as voters consider the effects of inflation, energy costs and trade policy. These issues could influence how Americans judge the president’s economic record.
Trump voted in Florida on Saturday alongside First Lady Melania Trump. Early voting has already begun in parts of the country ahead of election day.
Congressional Control at Stake
The November 3 midterms will decide whether Republicans retain control of the House and Senate or Democrats gain ground. The result could affect the passage of legislation, federal spending and oversight of the administration.
If Democrats win control of either chamber, they could create new obstacles for Trump’s plans and increase congressional scrutiny of his policies. If Republicans keep their majorities, the president would have a clearer path to advance his agenda.
Obama’s campaign appearances show that Democrats are seeking to turn concerns about prices and the Iran war into electoral support. Trump is urging voters to back his approach to trade, immigration and national security.
Both sides are trying to convince Americans that their policies offer the best path forward. With early voting underway, the contest is entering a critical stage.
The final result will show whether voters respond more strongly to Obama’s criticism of the administration or Trump’s promises of economic strength and lower fuel prices.
