Obama and Harris criticize Donald Trump’s second term leadership

Obama: "Imagine if I did something like that"

Barack Obama, former US President, Democratic leader (Photo: Getty Images)

Speaking at Hamilton College, Barack Obama expressed concern over Trump's attempts to reshape the federal government, intensify repression against migration, and suppress dissent. He also condemned pressure on the media and legal organizations.

"This is the first time I've spoken publicly in a long time," Obama said in an onstage interview. "I've been watching what's happening for quite a while."

Obama emphasized that Trump's actions are unacceptable and contradict fundamental American values.

"Imagine if I did something like that," he said, adding, "It's impossible to imagine that the same parties, which are now silent, would have tolerated such behavior from me or my predecessors."

Barack Obama also criticized Trump's new tariff, stating that it "will not benefit America." However, he is more concerned about interference with citizens' rights.

"I'm much more worried about the federal government threatening universities if they don't get rid of students exercising their right to free speech," Obama stated.

Harris: "There were many things we knew in advance"

Kamala Harris: former US Vice President (Photo: Getty Images)

Kamala Harris also criticized Trump's actions, noting that many of his steps were predictable.

"There were many things we knew in advance," she said at the Leading Women Defined summit. "I'm not going to say 'I told you so'," Harris added with a laugh.

According to Harris, Trump's return to the Oval Office has caused "a great sense of fear" among Americans. She stressed that silence and submission to threats have become too common.

"We see organizations remaining silent. We see those who give in to clearly unconstitutional threats. This creates a great sense of fear," she noted.

Concluding her speech, Harris emphasized that while fear can be contagious, courage also spreads.

"When one person feels fear, it can spread to those around them. But I also want to say that courage is contagious too," she concluded.

Trump hints at a third term

Donald Trump recently stated the possibility of running for a third presidential term, despite the constitutional prohibition.

In an interview with NBC News, he emphasized that he is "not joking" about his plans and sees "methods" to circumvent the limitation. One of the options Trump mentioned was a victory for Vice President J.D. Vance in the 2028 elections, followed by a transfer of power, while his supporters, including Republican Andy Ogles, are already pushing for a constitutional amendment.

Comedian Jon Stewart, on "The Daily Show," reacted with irony to Trump's statements about a potential third term. He sarcastically remarked, "What, trying to order something that's not on the Constitution's menu? There are two terms, but can we make it special?"

Despite Trump's remarks about a potential third term, experts remind that according to the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, a president cannot be elected for more than two terms. Even if Trump's supporters continue to push for constitutional amendments, the chances of their success remain extremely low.