Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris spoke out on Thursday, April 3, about the state of the nation under President Donald Trump’s second term, criticizing his administration’s recent actions.
Obama, who served before Trump, sharply condemned Trump’s efforts to alter the federal government, crack down on immigration and dissent, and pressure media outlets and the legal system. Speaking at Hamilton College, Obama said, “This is the first time I’ve spoken publicly for a while. I’ve been watching for a bit.” He pointed out the double standards, asking, “Imagine if I had done any of this. It’s unimaginable that the same parties now silent would have tolerated behavior like this from me or my predecessors.”
Obama expressed concern over Trump’s new tariff policies, saying they wouldn’t benefit America. However, he was more troubled by the administration’s actions against individual rights, such as threatening universities for allowing free speech and pressuring law firms over their clients. “That kind of behavior goes against the fundamental values we share as Americans,” he said.
In a separate event, Harris also addressed Trump’s second term, noting that many of his moves were predictable. “There were many things we knew would happen,” she said during the Leading Women Defined Summit, adding with a laugh, “I’m not here to say I told you so.”
Harris acknowledged the fear Trump’s return to the White House has caused. “We are seeing organizations stay quiet, capitulating to clearly unconstitutional threats. These are the things happening in our country right now, and it creates a great sense of fear,” she said.
Earlier this week, Trump announced a deal with the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, which employs Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman. Trump claimed the firm agreed to provide at least $100 million in pro bono legal services throughout his second term. This deal is part of a broader trend of Trump targeting firms that work with his political opponents.
Before the Willkie announcement, Emhoff had spoken out about the threats to the rule of law, saying, “Democracy is under attack, and we must all push back.”
Harris’ remarks, which were shared in a video, marked her most direct comments since Trump’s return to office. She noted that while fear is contagious, so is courage. “When one person has fear, it spreads to those around them. But courage is also contagious,” she said, addressing a gathering of women leaders of color.