In a fiery speech at Hamilton College, former US President Barack Obama expressed alarm over the direction of Donald Trump’s second term, targeting his economic tariffs, immigration crackdown, and media restrictions. Delivered on Thursday, April 3, 2025, Obama’s remarks highlight a growing divide between the two leaders, reigniting debates about America’s political and economic future as Trump’s policies take shape.
Trump’s Tariffs Under Fire
Obama sharply criticized the sweeping tariffs Trump imposed earlier this week on most US trading partners, calling them detrimental to the nation’s economy. “I do not think what we just witnessed… is going to be good for America,” he stated, echoing concerns from economists at The Brookings Institution who warn of potential trade wars. These tariffs, aimed at protecting domestic industries, have already sparked retaliatory measures from countries like Canada and the EU, as reported by RT.
Beyond Economics: Threats to Free Speech
Beyond economic policy, Obama voiced deeper worries about the Trump administration’s actions against free expression. He pointed to federal pressure on universities to silence pro-Palestinian student protests, stating, “I am more deeply concerned with a federal government that threatens universities if they don’t give up students who are exercising their right to free speech.” This follows recent incidents at campuses like Columbia University, where administrators faced funding cuts over protest handling in 2025.
Media and Law Firms in the Crosshairs
Obama also condemned Trump’s treatment of the press, citing the barring of Associated Press (AP) journalists from the Oval Office and pressure on law firms defending administration critics. “Imagine if I had pulled Fox News’ credentials from the White House press corps,” he remarked, highlighting what he sees as a double standard. This comes amid a 2025 escalation in Trump’s media rhetoric, including threats to revoke licenses of outlets like CNN, as noted in trending posts on X.
A History of Tension
The clash isn’t new. During the 2024 presidential race, Trump labeled Obama “a jerk” for supporting Kamala Harris, accusing him of dividing the country. Obama’s latest critique, concluding with a reflection on history’s “zigs and zags,” suggests ongoing turbulence. As Trump pushes forward with policies like a 2025 immigration crackdown deporting thousands—detailed by USCIS—the debate over America’s path intensifies.