Obama unexpectedly launched a fierce attack on President Donald Trump
Mr. Obama criticized his successor for dividing the country, destroying relations between the US and its allies and pushing Americans into a dangerous period.
Former President Obama has never directly mentioned his successor in any of his critical statements since leaving office. But in a speech to 1,300 students at the University of Illinois on September 7, he singled out President Trump in a direct attack.
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| Former President Obama attacked his successor on September 7. Photo: Reuters |
In his first political speech since leaving the White House, the 44th US President criticized the strategies of Mr. Trump and the Republican Party, calling them unprecedented threats to the country's future.
"Playing on fear, pitting one group against another, telling people that order and security will be restored... is stuff you find in old books. It's old. It won't work in a healthy democracy today," Mr. Obama emphasized.
"It didn't originate with Donald Trump. He's a symptom, not a cause. Trump is just exploiting the grievances that politicians have been building for years," he added, calling on voters across the country to restore a healthy democracy in the upcoming midterm elections.
The former US President also criticized his successor for putting pressure on the Justice Department, moving closer to Russia while ignoring traditional allies.
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| President Donald Trump (left) and Former President Barack Obama. Photo: Internet |
Not long after his predecessor's remarks, President Trump also made comments in response. "I watched it and fell asleep. I find his speech very sleepy," Mr. Trump said while meeting voters in Fargo, North Dakota.
The attacks come just over three months before the US midterm elections. Experts say the election results could have a major impact on Mr. Trump’s political future. If the Democrats regain control of the House or Senate, or even both, the incumbent US leader will certainly have a difficult fall./.
