Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris publicly criticized President Donald Trump and his administration on Thursday, accusing the White House of undermining constitutional principles and eroding core American values.

In rare public remarks since the 2024 election, both Obama and Harris expressed deep concern over recent actions taken by the Trump administration—particularly its approach to economic policy, free speech, and the rule of law.

Speaking at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, Obama condemned a range of policies enacted during Trump’s second term, including sweeping new tariffs, aggressive pressure on universities, and what he described as intimidation tactics against law firms. A transcript of his speech was released by a spokesperson and published on his Medium profile.

“I don’t think what we just witnessed in terms of economic policy and tariffs is going to be good for America, but that’s just a policy debate,” Obama said. “What troubles me more is a federal government that threatens universities for allowing students to exercise free speech, or that pressures law firms by saying, ‘If you represent people we don’t like, we’ll punish you.’ That’s not how American democracy is supposed to work.”

Obama cautioned that such actions go beyond partisan politics. “If I had tried this when I was in office, I wouldn’t have gotten away with it. And I’m not speaking as a Democrat—I’m speaking as an American concerned about the health of our system.”

He argued that foundational democratic principles—such as the rule of law, freedom of the press, and an independent judiciary—are now under strain. “People think these things are abstract, like they don’t affect everyday life,” he said. “Well, they’re about to. If we don’t protect our values, even the price of eggs won’t be safe.”

Obama also took aim at Trump’s foreign policy moves, accusing the administration of dismantling the international rules-based order. He pointed specifically to efforts to gain control of Greenland under the guise of national security, calling it emblematic of a reckless approach to global diplomacy.

Harris, in separate remarks at an event in Los Angeles, echoed Obama’s concerns, warning that the administration’s recent actions risk damaging America’s credibility and moral leadership at home and abroad.

The White House has defended its policies, stating that measures toward universities are meant to combat antisemitism and that restrictions on law firms are designed to protect national security. However, critics argue these justifications mask a deeper assault on democratic norms.

The comments from Obama and Harris signal a more vocal opposition to Trump’s second term, as former leaders re-enter the public discourse amid growing alarm over the direction of the country.