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Obama Warns U.S. Democracy Is Slipping Toward Autocracy

He used a rare public forum in Hartford to urge professionals to resist White House demands as a safeguard for judicial independence.

Former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event at the Baird Center on November 3, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama attends the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Obama spoke in Connecticut June 17.
President Donald Trump; Barack Obama.

Overview

  • He cautioned that government actions are nearing norms seen in autocracies, highlighting the erosion of rule of law and an independent judiciary.
  • He delivered veiled critiques without naming the president to maintain the potency of his warnings while avoiding diluting his voice.
  • He called on lawyers, academics and business leaders to speak out against administration overreach to protect constitutional checks and balances.
  • He warned that an overwhelming tide of misinformation is undermining public trust in basic facts and democratic institutions.
  • He highlighted recent detentions and threats faced by elected Democrats and announced plans to headline a DNC fundraiser to support party resilience.