Barack Obama warns against Donald Trump and “abuse of power” in fiery Virginia speech
Frankfurt am Main, November 2, 2025 – Former U.S. President Barack Obama has returned to the political stage with one of his sharpest and most impassioned speeches in years. Speaking before more than 7,000 people at a campaign rally in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama delivered a scathing critique of Donald Trump, accusing him of “turning the White House into a theater of chaos, greed, and lawlessness.” His remarks drew thunderous applause from the crowd. The event, seen as a key test ahead of the 2026 midterms, was reported by G.Business, citing Der Spiegel and The Guardian.
“It’s not as if we didn’t see some of this coming,” Obama began, with dry humor. “I’ll admit, it’s worse than even I expected – but I did warn y’all!” The audience half-laughed, half-groaned, and Obama added: “You can run the tape.”
Warning against chaos and authoritarian drift
Obama used the rally to support Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, calling the upcoming governor races “a test of the country’s democratic conscience.” He argued that Trump’s leadership had “shattered every norm of governance,” turning institutions into “tools of personal loyalty rather than public service.”
“Every day,” he said, “this White House serves up a new batch of lawlessness, recklessness, and mean-spiritedness – and just plain craziness.” The former president accused Trump of politicizing the Justice Department, firing military officers for their loyalty to the Constitution, and deploying federal forces to cities “to stop crime waves that don’t exist.”
“It’s like every day is Halloween,” Obama quipped, “except it’s all tricks and no treats.”
Economic anger and misplaced trust
Obama said he understood why some voters backed Trump out of frustration with rising prices and social inequality – but warned that they had been deceived. “For Trump and his family, things have certainly gotten better – with crypto ventures worth millions and tax breaks for his wealthy friends,” he said. “For ordinary Americans, life has become harder: healthcare premiums are up, costs are rising, and the government is in disarray.”
Mocking Trump’s priorities, Obama added: “He’s been busy paving over the Rose Garden, gold-plating the Oval Office, and building a $300 million ballroom – but not finding time to make life easier for struggling families.”
Humor as a weapon in dark times
The ex-president’s biting humor drew repeated applause. He ridiculed Republicans for “blaming minorities and diversity programs for everything under the sun.” “Got a flat tire? DEI. Wife mad at you? DEI!” he said, to roaring laughter.
He also condemned Trump’s use of AI-generated propaganda videos, including one in which Trump is shown wearing a crown, flying a fighter jet, and dumping brown liquid on protesters. “All of that nonsense is meant to distract you from the truth – that your situation hasn’t improved,” Obama warned.
Filling the vacuum left by Biden
According to his office, Obama has made 25 public appearances in the past six months, ranging from speeches on foreign aid to discussions on disinformation and redistricting. At 63, he has once again become the Democrats’ most compelling communicator, stepping into a void left by President Joe Biden, who turns 83 this month.
“The fight for democracy doesn’t sustain itself,” Obama said in closing. “It only lives when people are willing to stand up for it.”
His words resonated far beyond Virginia – a reminder of the leadership, intelligence, and charisma the Democratic Party has long missed. As The Guardian noted, Obama remains “the best candidate Democrats can’t run.”
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