Former President Barack Obama returned to the campaign trail on Saturday, delivering sharp criticism of President Donald Trump’s administration while rallying support for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey.
Speaking first at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama urged voters to back Abigail Spanberger, portraying the upcoming election as a chance to reject what he described as the “lawlessness and recklessness” of the Trump White House. “Let’s face it, our country and our policy are in a pretty dark place right now,” Obama told a cheering crowd, adding that “every day this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness.”
Obama criticized Trump’s tariff policies, calling them “shambolic,” and denounced the deployment of National Guard troops to US cities. He also faulted Republicans in Congress for failing to act as a check on Trump, saying they remained silent “even when they know he’s out of line.” The former president expressed surprise at how quickly business leaders, law firms, and universities had chosen to “bend the knee” to appease Trump.
Later in the day, Obama appeared in Newark, New Jersey, to campaign for Mikie Sherrill, striking similar themes. He likened the Trump administration to a never-ending Halloween: “It’s like every day is Halloween, except it’s all tricks and no treats.”
Obama also used sarcasm to highlight what he saw as misplaced priorities, mocking Trump for focusing on White House renovations during a federal shutdown. “In fairness he has been focused on some critical issues, like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and building a $300 million ballroom,” he quipped.
The rallies underscored Obama’s enduring popularity among Democrats and his role as a powerful surrogate in the final stretch before Election Day. His appearances in Virginia and New Jersey were aimed at energizing voters in two closely watched gubernatorial contests, where Democrats are hoping to signal momentum against Trump’s influence.
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