Obama slams Trump’s ‘cruelty and corruption’ at Ohio rally for Democrats | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Obama Critiques Trump’s Foreign Policy at Ohio Rally
Published: October 25, 2026
Former President Barack Obama criticized the policies of President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Ohio on Saturday, highlighting what he termed the “cruelty and corruption” during Trump’s second term.
Speaking in support of Democratic candidates in the state, Obama asserted that Trump made a series of detrimental decisions, specifically referencing the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. “The current president chose to make a series of bad decisions,” Obama said. “Most importantly, he decided to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for.”
Obama encouraged Ohio voters to oppose the Republican administration, stating, “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.’”
Addressing the contentious gubernatorial race in Ohio, Obama also commented on a controversial attack ad launched by Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy against his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton. “In recent days, we’ve seen there is no line he will not cross, no low he will not sink to,” Obama stated regarding Ramaswamy’s tactics. “I don’t know what’s happened where the standards of behaviour are so low that somebody could run an ad like that.”
The advertisement in question features Donna Arthur, Acton’s mother, who disputes her daughter’s claims of experiencing homelessness and abuse in her childhood, urging voters not to support her. Acton has stated that she has not had contact with her mother since 1978, and her brother has corroborated her account of past abuse by their stepfather, who faced legal charges before his death in 2004.
Obama expressed support for Acton, noting her “moving” account of her challenging upbringing. “She has spoken movingly about her painful childhood and all she’s experienced: abuse, neglect, and homelessness,” he said.
Joining Obama on stage were Acton and former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, who is campaigning to reclaim a Senate seat from incumbent Republican Jon Husted. Current polls indicate a slight lead for Democrats in both statewide races, although results are expected to be closely contested.
