RismadarVoice Reporters
October 24, 2026
Former United States President Barack Obama has sharply criticised President Donald Trump’s administration over rising living costs, foreign policy and governance, describing its record as one of chaos, cruelty and incompetence.
Obama delivered the criticism on Saturday during a Democratic campaign rally at Cleveland Public Auditorium in Ohio, ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Addressing thousands of supporters, the former president accused Trump and his Republican allies of failing to deliver on promises to reduce household expenses and improve Americans’ living conditions.
He said voters had an opportunity to respond to what he described as two years of mismanagement and disregard for ordinary citizens.
Obama argued that the administration’s policies had contributed to rising prices, particularly energy costs, placing additional pressure on households.
He also criticised Trump’s foreign policy, accusing the president of making decisions that led to an unnecessary war with Iran.
According to Obama, Americans had been promised lower prices and fewer foreign conflicts but were instead experiencing economic uncertainty and heightened international tensions.
The former president urged voters to participate in early voting and support Democratic candidates seeking to challenge Republican control of key political offices.
In Ohio, Obama campaigned alongside former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, who is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted for a United States Senate seat.
He also appeared with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, who is contesting against Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy.
Obama criticised Ramaswamy over a controversial campaign advertisement involving Acton’s estranged mother, arguing that political competition should not abandon basic standards of decency.
Ramaswamy has defended the advertisement, while Acton has accused his campaign of exploiting painful experiences from her childhood.
Brown also criticised Husted’s record, arguing that Ohio residents needed stronger representation on economic issues.
Husted’s campaign rejected the Democrats’ criticism, accusing Obama and Brown of supporting policies that had harmed Ohio workers.
Following the Cleveland rally, Obama was scheduled to campaign in Detroit, Michigan, alongside Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and governorship candidate Jocelyn Benson.
El-Sayed is contesting the Michigan Senate election against Republican Mike Rogers.
The campaign appearances form part of the Democratic Party’s nationwide effort to mobilise voters ahead of elections that will determine control of Congress and several state governments.
With early voting underway in several states, both major parties are intensifying their campaigns on economic policy, healthcare, immigration and national security.
