Former US President Barack Obama has criticised President Donald Trump over rising living costs and his administration's policies during campaign rallies in Michigan and Ohio. Obama appeared at the events to support Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, urging voters to demand political change. During both rallies, Obama blamed the Trump administration for economic pressures facing American households, particularly as fuel prices continued to rise. He also criticised the president's leadership, accusing his administration of creating instability through its policies and decisions. The former president's remarks focused on the cost of living, Trump's handling of international affairs and what he described as the administration's record of "chaos and cruelty". "The current president chose to make a series of bad decisions," Obama said in Ohio, where he campaigned for former Democratic senator Sherrod Brown. "Most importantly, he decided to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for."

Obama Calls for Political Change in Ohio and Michigan

Addressing supporters in Cleveland, Obama urged voters to use the upcoming elections to express their dissatisfaction with the current administration. He argued that the midterms offered Americans an opportunity to respond to the president's record and support Democratic candidates. "After two years of chaos and cruelty and corruption and incompetence, the likes of which we have not seen in the modern era, you get a chance to say, 'Enough is enough,'" Obama declared in Cleveland. "We are voting for change right here in Ohio." Obama's campaign activities also took him to Michigan, where he supported Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate from the party's progressive wing. El-Sayed is facing a closely contested race against Republican Mike Rogers for a seat in the US Senate. During his speech, Obama highlighted the possibility of El-Sayed serving alongside Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, who is not seeking re-election this year. He presented the potential partnership as an example of political representation that could bring together people from different religious backgrounds. "Imagine the power duo of Abdul and Elissa," Obama said, referring to the incumbent Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, who is not up for election this year. "You got a Muslim man, you got a Jewish woman fighting for you in the United States Senate. That's something, Michigan, you can be proud of." His remarks were part of a broader effort to energise Democratic supporters and strengthen the party's prospects in two states that could play an important role in determining the balance of power in Washington.

Obama Mocks Trump's White House Renovations

Beyond economic and political issues, Obama also took aim at Trump's renovation projects and changes to prominent sites in the US capital. The former president mocked the reported problems surrounding renovations to the National Mall's Reflecting Pool, the construction of a large ballroom at the White House and the extensive gold decorations Trump has introduced to the Oval Office during his second term. Obama questioned the president's priorities, suggesting that he appeared more interested in transforming buildings and public spaces than addressing the country's pressing concerns. "I don't know if you've noticed, but he seems very focused on home renovations. He should be on HGTV. The guy’s building a ballroom that’s bigger than the White House. Paved over the Rose Garden, put a helicopter pad on the South Lawn, and there’s gold everywhere! What’s up with the gold? Everything—more gold!” Obama said. He continued his criticism with another pointed remark about the White House's appearance. "He's got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory," he added, referring to the popular but indulgent American restaurant chain. The comments added a personal and humorous element to Obama's attacks on Trump, as he attempted to draw a contrast between the president's priorities and the everyday financial challenges facing American voters.

Midterm Elections Could Reshape Power in Congress

Obama's campaign appearances come as Democrats look to improve their position in Congress during the November 3 midterm elections. National polling suggests that Democrats have a strong opportunity to regain control of the House of Representatives. However, the party faces a more difficult contest in the Senate, where the outcome is expected to be more competitive. US midterm elections take place halfway through a president's four-year term and are widely viewed as a measure of public confidence in the administration. They can significantly influence the president's ability to advance legislation and implement policy. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are contested during the elections, along with approximately one-third of the Senate's seats. For Democrats, Obama's appearances represent an effort to mobilise voters around economic concerns and dissatisfaction with Trump's leadership. His criticism of the administration also reflects the party's broader strategy of making the president's record a central issue in the campaign. The results will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress or Democrats gain the numbers needed to challenge the administration more effectively during the remainder of Trump's term.