Former United States President Barack Obama has criticised President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war and the rising cost of living, urging Americans to support Democratic candidates in the November 3 midterm elections.
Obama made the remarks on Saturday while campaigning in Ohio and Michigan, calling on voters to use the elections to hold the Trump administration accountable and limit its power.
Speaking to supporters in Ohio, Obama described the upcoming vote as a crucial opportunity to check what he considered excesses by the current administration.
He acknowledged that inflation and the high cost of living had contributed to Democrats’ defeat in the 2024 presidential election. However, he argued that Trump’s policies had not eased the financial burden on American households.
Obama said prices had continued to rise under Trump, challenging the administration’s claims about its economic performance.
The former president also questioned the government’s approach to the conflict with Iran, arguing that the war had increased Tehran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a major international route for oil and gas shipments.
The conflict and higher energy prices have become significant issues in the campaign as both parties seek to convince voters that they can better manage the economy and national security.
Trump, however, defended his record during a rally in Perry, Georgia, describing the country as entering a period of renewed prosperity. He acknowledged that oil prices remained high but expressed confidence that petrol costs would eventually fall.
The president also defended his tariffs, claiming they were generating substantial government revenue, and repeated a proposal to pay $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans retained control of both chambers of Congress. The plan would require legislative backing and a viable funding arrangement.
Trump also criticised Democratic immigration policies, arguing that they threatened border security, while defending his administration’s wider economic and immigration agenda.
When asked about the Iran conflict, Trump said the United States could bring the military campaign to an end or reach an agreement with Tehran, insisting that either outcome would favour Washington.
Obama’s campaign appearances also focused on Democratic candidates in Ohio. He supported former senator Sherrod Brown, who is challenging Republican Senator Jon Husted, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, who is running against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.
The former president criticised an advertisement by Ramaswamy’s campaign that featured accusations from Acton’s estranged mother, arguing that the campaign had crossed a line by bringing her childhood into the political contest.
Acton also accused Ramaswamy of using personal attacks to attract attention and revive his campaign.
The November 3 midterm elections will determine control of the US House of Representatives and Senate, with the outcome expected to shape Trump’s ability to advance his legislative agenda during the remaining years of his presidency.
Republicans are seeking to retain their congressional majorities, while Democrats hope to regain control and strengthen their ability to challenge the administration.
With early voting already underway, the Iran conflict, fuel prices, inflation, immigration and campaign conduct are emerging as key issues as both parties seek to win over voters.
