Obama Warns of “Dangerous Trends” Under Trump
Former President Barack Obama warned that policies from the Trump administration are creating “dangerous trends” that threaten Americans’ liberties. He emphasized that these developments should concern both Democrats and Republicans.
Concerns Over National Guard Deployment
On X, Obama referenced an interview with Ezra Klein and journalist Radley Balko on The Ezra Klein Show. The discussion focused on President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy National Guard troops to New York and Chicago, Obama’s former hometown.
“This interview, also available as a podcast, highlights recent dangerous trends in the federalization and militarization of local police,” Obama wrote on X. He added, “The erosion of basic principles like due process and the expanding use of our military on domestic soil put the liberties of all Americans at risk.”
White House Pushback
The White House pushed back on Obama’s comments. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital, “Barack Hussein Obama has no room to talk after he weaponized his government against conservatives and his political opponents — notably President Trump by fueling the Russia hoax. President Trump is restoring integrity to all aspects of our government.”
Trump Signals Federal Crime Crackdown
Trump has proposed a federal crackdown on crime in Chicago, mirroring measures in Washington, D.C. On Truth Social, he criticized Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker for the city’s recent violence.
“Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. Twenty people were shot. But he doesn’t want to ask me for help. Can this be possible? The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats aren’t capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!!” Trump wrote.
Local Leaders Resist
Democrats reacted strongly to the threat of National Guard deployment in “blue” cities. Earlier in the week, Trump criticized both Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over the city’s crime rate.
Governor Pritzker vowed to resist federal intervention. “I say, ‘Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here,’” he told reporters.