Former President Barack Obama has warned of “dangerous trends” arising from the Trump administration, saying its policies “put the liberties of all Americans at risk.”
On X, Obama highlighted an interview with Ezra Klein of The New York Times on The Ezra Klein Show, during which they discussed President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy National Guard troops to New York and Chicago, Obama’s former hometown.
“This interview, which is also available as a podcast, provides a useful overview of some of the dangerous trends we’ve been seeing in recent months regarding federalization and militarization of state and local police functions,” Obama wrote on X.
“The erosion of basic principles like due process and the expanding use of our military on domestic soil put the liberties of all Americans at risk and should concern Democrats and Republicans alike,” he added.
The White House responded to Obama’s remarks in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Barack Hussein Obama has no room to talk after he weaponized his government against conservatives and his political opponents — notably President Trump by fueling the Russia hoax. President Trump is restoring integrity to all aspects of our government,” said spokesperson Abigail Jackson.
Trump has suggested a federal crackdown to combat crime in Chicago, similar to measures taken in Washington, D.C.
“Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend,” Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social, referring to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. “Twenty people were shot. But he doesn’t want to ask me for help. Can this be possible? The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats aren’t capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!! President DJT.”
Threats to deploy the National Guard in “blue cities” have sparked criticism from Democrats.
Earlier this week, Trump targeted Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over the city’s rising crime rate. The governor has insisted he will resist any federal intervention.
“I say, ‘Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here,’” Pritzker told reporters.
