Breaking silence, Obama criticizes Trump over immigration ban

For the first time since leaving office, Mr. Obama spoke out on political issues when he praised protesters against President Donald Trump's immigration ban.

"The president fundamentally disagrees with the idea of ​​discriminating against individuals based on their faith or religion," Kevin Lewis, a spokesman for former President Barack Obama, said in a statement on January 30.

Mr Lewis said Mr Obama was “moved” by the participation of so many Americans expressing their views. The former White House official pointed out that the 44th president used his final speech as president to talk about the responsibility of American citizens to “protect democracy”, even in non-election years.

"Citizens exercising their constitutional rights to assemble, form groups, and make their voices heard by their elected officials is exactly what we expect when American values ​​are threatened," AP quoted Lewis' statement.

Mr. Obama at Mr. Trump's inauguration ceremony on January 20. Photo: AP.

Obama’s spokesman did not name the immigration executive order Trump signed. But Lewis dismissed any comparisons between the new president’s recent actions and Obama’s foreign policy.

Trump had previously announced a travel ban on citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries based on a list the Obama administration had deemed a terrorism concern. However, Obama's rule at that time only applied to people without visas, and he had never considered an entry ban.

Lewis's remarks marked the first time Obama has spoken out about Trump's actions since leaving office on January 20. In his final remarks, Obama said he would follow the example of former President Bush Jr. in not interfering in his successor's administration.

However, the black president affirmed that he would speak out if Mr. Trump violated what he considered core American values.

According to ZIng.vn