Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris have publicly voiced strong criticism of Donald Trump’s actions in his second term, warning of growing threats to democratic norms and civil liberties under his administration.

During a rare public appearance at Hamilton College on Thursday, April 3, Obama condemned Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal government, suppress dissent, and pressure institutions such as the press, universities, and law firms.

“So, this is the first time I’ve been speaking publicly for a while,” Obama said. “I’ve been watching for a little bit.”
He added sharply, “Imagine if I had done any of this… It’s unimaginable that the same parties who are silent now would have tolerated this behavior from me or many of my predecessors.”

Obama voiced concerns over the administration’s recent tariff policies, stating they would likely harm the country. But his deeper worry centered on what he called a “dangerous erosion” of constitutional rights.

“I’m more deeply concerned with a federal government that threatens universities if they don’t reveal students exercising free speech,” he said. “The idea that the White House can warn law firms, ‘If you represent parties we dislike, we’ll bar you from our business’—that undermines the rule of law and the American compact.”

In separate remarks at the Leading Women Defined Summit, Kamala Harris echoed Obama’s concerns and described Trump’s current moves as predictable yet deeply troubling.

“There were many things we knew would happen,” Harris said with a chuckle. “I’m not here to say I told you so.”
She acknowledged the atmosphere of fear that has followed Trump’s return to the Oval Office.
“We’re seeing organizations go silent, others capitulate to clearly unconstitutional threats… And understandably, that creates fear,” she said.

This week, Trump unveiled a controversial deal with law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, which employs former second gentleman Doug Emhoff. The firm reportedly agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services during Trump’s second term. The move follows reports of the administration targeting firms that had represented Trump’s political opponents.

Reacting to the development, Emhoff said, “The rule of law is under attack. Democracy is under attack. And so, all of us lawyers need to do what we can to push back.”

Harris, whose remarks were first reported by MSNBC, issued a call to action:
“Fear is contagious but so is courage,” she said to a room filled with women leaders of color.
“When one person shows courage, it spreads. And that is what we must harness right now.”