Obama Urges Democrats to Stand Firm Against Trump’s ‘Lawless and Reckless’ Behavior

Former US President Barack Obama launched a sharp critique of Donald Trump’s administration.

While campaigning for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey on Saturday, urging voters to reject what he described as the “lawlessness and recklessness” defining Trump’s time in office.

Addressing an energized crowd at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama rallied support for Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger, calling the upcoming election “a chance to restore sanity and decency to our politics.”

“Let’s face it, our country and our policy are in a pretty dark place right now,” Obama said. “Every day this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness, recklessness, and just plain craziness.”

He accused Trump of running an administration that thrives on chaos, citing “shambolic” trade policies and the use of the National Guard in domestic deployments. Obama also criticized Republican lawmakers for “refusing to stand up” to Trump even when they privately disagreed with him.

Later in the day, at a rally in Newark, New Jersey, in support of Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill, Obama continued his scathing remarks, calling Trump’s leadership “a never-ending circus.” “It’s like every day is Halloween—except it’s all tricks and no treats,” he quipped to laughter from the crowd.

Obama also mocked reports of Trump’s White House renovations amid a government shutdown, saying, “In fairness, he has been focused on the really critical issues—like paving over the Rose Garden and building a $300 million ballroom.”

Polls ahead of the election show Spanberger leading Republican challenger Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears by a comfortable margin, while Sherrill holds a narrow edge over GOP contender Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey.