Obama Warns U.S. ‘Dangerously Close’ to Autocracy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In a rare public appearance, Barack Obama cautioned that the U.S. risks normalizing authoritarian-style behavior under President Trump. He urged both elected officials and citizens to defend democratic norms and build unity.
Obama’s Warning on U.S. Democracy + Quick Looks
- “Dangerously close” to autocracy, Obama said, referencing actions not seen since WWII
- Compared Trump-era behavior to Hungary under Orbán, warning against weakening institutions
- Commended mass “No Kings” protests but stressed government must also resist trends
- Urged young activists to seek common ground, not divide, to achieve change
- Encouraged unity and dialogue to strengthen trust and foster democratic resilience
Obama Warns U.S. ‘Dangerously Close’ to Autocracy
Deep Look
Obama raises alarm in Hartford speech
Former President Barack Obama delivered a stern critique of the current administration in a speech in Hartford, Connecticut, warning that the U.S. is “dangerously close to normalizing behavior” seen in authoritarian regimes. He noted that the actions and rhetoric of senior officials “are not consistent with American democracy”—they echo the practices of Hungary under Viktor Orbán, he said.
Autocracy creeping in
Obama highlighted worrisome patterns: weak commitment to democracy, diminishing checks and balances, and officials behaving as if “nobody’s above the law” is no longer a guiding principle.
“We’re not there yet completely, but… we are dangerously close,” he warned.
Protests matter—but so must public officials
Obama praised the energy behind nationwide “No Kings” protests, in which millions took to the streets. Yet he emphasized that elected leaders—across both parties—must also push back.
“There also has to be people in government in both parties who say, ‘Well, no, you can’t do that.’”
A hopeful blueprint for change
Despite his concerns, Obama remained optimistic, urging grassroots action rooted in unity:
“It is important to be impatient with injustice and cruelty… But if you want to deliver on change, then it’s a game of addition, not subtraction.”
Inspiring young Americans to find common ground, he described it as essential for sustaining democracy.
Lincoln’s “better angels” as guide
Echoing Abraham Lincoln, Obama affirmed that mutual understanding and cooperation are the antidote to polarization:
“When people actually meet… then what Lincoln called those ‘better angels’ come out.”
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