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.
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.
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.”
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