Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris Criticize Trump's Second Term Administrative Actions as Threats to Democracy and Governance

Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris Criticize Trump's Second Term Administrative Actions as Threats to Democracy and GovernanceFormer President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris commented on President Donald Trump's second term actions and sharply criticized the recent steps taken by his http://administration.In a stage interview at Hamilton College on Thursday, Obama said, "This is the first time I've spoken publicly about this," and mentioned that he had been observing the situation for some time.Obama remarked, "Imagine if I did something like that?" He continued, "As incredible as it seems, the parties that are silent now, would they ever have tolerated such behavior from me or my predecessors?"Obama also expressed concerns about Trump’s new tariff announcements, but he said, "My deepest concern is the federal government threatening universities if they allow students to exercise their right to free speech," adding, "This is behavior that fundamentally violates the basic American agreement."Obama further mentioned that he had previously warned about the danger of Trump being re-elected in the 2024 presidential election, and he said, “Even if Trump behaves foolishly, we have to acknowledge that it could be dangerous.”Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, speaking on Thursday, stated that Trump's actions since his return have been "largely predictable."“There was a lot that we knew would happen,” Harris said. "I’m not here to say ‘I told you so.’" She added, "What we are seeing is that this situation is creating a kind of fear within our country."Harris commented that Trump's return has created "fear" in the country and that organizations have become silent. "We are seeing that many have clearly bowed down in the face of undemocratic threats," she said. "These things are happening every day in our country, and naturally, it is creating a kind of fear."Earlier this week, Trump announced a deal with the law firm Wilkie Farr & Gallagher for his second term, where the firm will provide at least $100 million worth of pro bono legal services. In response, Harris said, "Law and order and democracy are under attack," and urged all lawyers to speak out about it.Harris's remarks, which were first reported by MSNBC, are her most direct comments since the start of her second term. She added, "Fear can be contagious, but so can courage. When one person is courageous, it spreads to others."