In a recent “WTF” podcast interview, former President Barack Obama sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s domestic use of military forces, warning that U.S. democratic institutions are under strain. He expressed concern that core democratic norms have been damaged, citing the deployment of National Guard troops in cities such as Chicago and Portland as examples of overreach that undermine legal and constitutional safeguards.

Obama challenged the Trump administration’s framing of urban crime as insurrection, arguing that this rhetoric distorts democratic values. He suggested that if similar tactics had been used during his presidency, conservative media outlets like Fox News would have responded with harsh criticism.

Beyond government actions, Obama criticized private institutions—universities, law firms, and corporations—for compromising their principles under political pressure. He pointed specifically to rollbacks in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, urging these entities to resist such pressures and uphold inclusive practices.

Emphasizing empathy and nonpartisan law enforcement, Obama cautioned against moral grandstanding and politicizing the justice system, underscoring the need for self-awareness in political discourse.

While the White House defended its deployment of federal forces as necessary to combat crime, it did not directly address Obama’s criticisms.

WATCH:

NEW: Obama torches Donald Trump:

"A lot of what I represented, a lot of what Michelle and I have tried to project– the values we're thinking about America. My successor seemed to represent the opposite. Not seemed, did." pic.twitter.com/rSGDileb8W

— Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00) October 13, 2025