Obama Blames Trump Policies for Inflation at Ohio Rally
Washington, October 25
Former President Barack Obama has delivered a fierce critique of President Donald Trump, describing the upcoming November 3 midterms as the “circuit breaker of the system.” Speaking at a rally in Cleveland, Ohio, Obama held the Trump administration's fight with Iran, its tariff policies and its strict immigration stance responsible for soaring prices.
The event was held at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland on Saturday. Obama had come out to back Democrat Amy Acton, who is seeking the governorship of Ohio, and Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, a former senator.
In his remarks, Obama said the decisions of this administration were directly linked to the growing cost of living. He alleged that the president had started an unnecessary battle that no one had demanded and no one had backed through a vote.
On the subject of Iran, Obama said the country was free of nuclear weapons because of an accord he had made, which had been accepted by all sides. “That agreement kept Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and I did not have to fire any missiles. I relied only on diplomacy,” he said.
Obama said conditions had shifted dramatically in the seven months since. He cited attacks on allies and military bases, the deaths of American citizens, hundreds of injuries, depleted missile stockpiles, and Iran's newfound leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, through which oil flows to global markets.
“That is the reason oil prices have risen. That is the reason diesel has grown expensive,” Obama said. The Strait of Hormuz is widely viewed as an essential route for crude oil supplies to many Asian countries, including India.
Turning to trade, Obama said Trump has a clear fondness for tariffs, despite warnings that ordinary consumers would end up paying for them. He argued that tariffs had also played a role in pushing up inflation.
Obama then mocked the new trade conflict being pursued against Canada. “And now he is launching a major trade war against that supposedly ‘dangerous empire,’ Canada,” he said, prompting laughter from the audience. “These are the people who gave us maple syrup and the actor Martin Short.”
On immigration, he restated his belief that the border should be safe and orderly and that people wishing to come to America should do so lawfully. He recalled that as president he drew criticism from some within his own party for strengthening border protection.
“I don't remember anybody saying during the campaign that agents with masks would be running through our streets,” Obama said. “Nor do I remember anyone talking about the arrest, detention or shooting of citizens who obey the law.”
Obama also poked fun at the renovation projects Trump has ordered at the White House. “He ought to be on HGTV. He is building a ballroom that is larger than the White House,” he quipped.
He accused Trump of exploiting the presidency for personal benefit. Referring to a pardon granted to a Venezuelan billionaire, Obama said, “I have never seen a president like this. This is plain profiting from the public's money.” He also highlighted meme coins and government contracts awarded using taxpayer funds.
Obama alleged that Republican leaders in Congress had done nothing to restrain Trump. He also named John Husted, the Republican Senate nominee from Ohio.
Closing his address, Obama said, “This election may be the last big chance to rein in some of the mistakes and foolishness of this administration. It is the circuit breaker of our system, and we must switch it on.”
Obama further criticised an advertisement by Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy that targets Amy Acton. He subsequently left for Detroit in Michigan, where he campaigned for Democratic candidates.