US President Donald Trump has lashed out at former president Barack Obama, accusing him of incompetence and criticising his record on Iran and his support for Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused Obama of providing billions of dollars to Iran and paving the way for the country to develop nuclear weapons. He also criticised Obama for backing Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and Kamala Harris in the 2024 race, both of whom lost to Trump.
Trump also targeted Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Michigan, whom Obama has endorsed. Republican candidate Mike Rogers and his allies have sought to associate El-Sayed with the Muslim Brotherhood and have labelled him a “jihadist”, allegations that have been used in the campaign against him.
Calling El-Sayed a “fake doctor”, Trump criticised his professional record and claimed that he ran one of the worst clinics in the United States.
Trump also asserted that he had secured a decisive victory in Michigan and credited his administration with reviving the automobile industry, restoring an air force base and creating more jobs. He urged voters to support Rogers, warning against what he described as El-Sayed’s policies and political outlook.
Trump has repeatedly encouraged voters to treat the midterm elections as a referendum on his presidency. Obama, meanwhile, took to the campaign trail on Saturday to rally Democratic supporters and criticise the Republican administration.
With just 10 days remaining before the November 3 elections, which will determine control of the closely divided US Congress, Obama addressed rallies in Cleveland and Detroit, accusing Trump of corruption, questioning his approach to Iran and mocking the lavish style of renovations at the White House.
Campaigning in Michigan for El-Sayed, Obama described the upcoming vote as a “circuit breaker” that could help curb what he called the excesses of Trump’s presidency.
He urged voters to support Democratic candidates to restore accountability in government and limit what he characterised as the administration’s misguided policies.
Obama, who served as president from 2009 to 2017, remains a prominent figure within the Democratic Party. Party leaders hope his involvement will energise voters ahead of a closely contested Senate race between El-Sayed and former US representative Mike Rogers.
Addressing supporters in Michigan, Obama accused Trump of exploiting the presidency for personal gain and criticised Republicans for continuing to support his administration.
He alleged that the administration had normalised corruption, political favouritism and ineffective governance.
The White House had not immediately responded to a request for comment on Obama’s remarks.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in August found that 63 per cent of Americans believed Trump and his family had improperly profited from cryptocurrency since his return to the White House in 2025. The survey also found that 69 per cent believed his policy decisions were influenced by his private business interests.
Obama also challenged the administration’s claims of success in its confrontation with Iran, arguing that the conflict had strengthened Tehran’s economic leverage. He pointed to Iran’s threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, as a factor contributing to uncertainty among oil-exporting countries.
The former president further mocked Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing the administration of focusing on superficial matters, including the physical appearance and testosterone levels of military personnel, rather than more pressing national security concerns.
Obama also ridiculed the White House renovation project, comparing its decorative style to the extravagant interiors associated with former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.
The exchanges highlight growing political tensions as both parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the midterm elections, which are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the remainder of Trump’s presidency.
