Former President Barack Obama broke his customary silence on Thursday, August 28, 2025, to deliver a strong critique of President Donald Trump’s deployment of military forces in American cities, marking his most pointed criticism of the current president.
Obama utilized social media to express his concerns over what he described as perilous changes in Trump’s approach to law enforcement nationwide. “The erosion of basic principles like due process and the expanding use of our military on domestic soil puts the liberties of all Americans at risk,” Obama wrote on X.
The 44th president referenced an interview between New York Times writer Ezra Klein and journalist Radley Balko titled “Trump Is Building His Own Paramilitary Force.” Obama stated that the interview highlights some of the concerning trends observed in recent months related to federalization and militarization of state and local police functions.
In the interview, Balko accused Trump of assembling what he described as a personal army. The journalist noted that Trump is employing tactics, operations, and policies that, over the last 20 years, he has refrained from or tried to restrain himself from warning about because they would sound too unhinged.
Balko cited Trump’s takeover of law enforcement in Washington, D.C., and the deployment of thousands of California National Guard troops to Los Angeles, California, during immigration protests as evidence of Trump’s increasing military control.
Recently, Trump signed an order creating special National Guard units tasked with handling protests and civil unrest—responsibilities traditionally managed by local police. Critics argue this action crosses a significant line by placing military forces in charge of civilian matters.
Randy Manner, a former National Guard leader, criticized Trump’s plan as politically motivated. He stated that Trump seeks Guard units “whose purpose is to dominate and police the American people,” a prospect he finds highly concerning.
This week, National Guard members in Washington, D.C., began carrying weapons after Trump’s defense secretary granted permission. Some troops now patrol the nation’s capital armed with rifles and handguns, a situation that has raised alarm among many Americans.
Obama’s public criticism marks a departure from his typical post-presidency stance of avoiding engagement with Trump. Since leaving office in 2017, he has largely refrained from entering political disputes, but recent developments have prompted him to speak out.
This week, Obama even paused his popular summer tradition of sharing music playlists, explaining on Instagram that he didn’t have time “with everything going on right now.”
Obama’s remarks follow a previous confrontation in July when Trump accused him of treason concerning the 2016 election investigation. Obama’s office responded, dismissing Trump’s claims as outrageous and stating they usually do not address the “constant nonsense” and misinformation from the White House.
The former president also supported California Governor Gavin Newsom’s opposition to Republican attempts to redraw voting districts in Texas, asserting that voters should select their representatives, not the other way around.
Trump’s actions reverse some of Obama’s own policies from his presidency. Following the use of military-style weapons by police in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, Obama in 2015 restricted local police from acquiring certain military equipment, such as armored vehicles and grenade launchers. Trump rescinded those rules in 2017.
Currently, Trump aims to expand military power to federal agencies. His budget plan allocates approximately $170 billion for immigration enforcement overall, including tens of billions for ICE over the coming years, while reducing funding for other law enforcement agencies.
Legal experts express concern that Trump’s actions may breach laws restricting the military from policing within the United States. The ACLU labeled the deployments unnecessary, inflammatory, and an abuse of power, cautioning that the military should not oversee civilians. Critics note that while such deployments are rare and controversial, they are not unprecedented, citing Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957 and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
Trump has suggested he might deploy military forces to other cities, including Chicago, Illinois, stating that his troops are prepared to mobilize anywhere with less than 24 hours’ notice. He indicated he might proceed even if local leaders do not request federal assistance.
Social media users have commended Obama for speaking out more frequently. One individual noted that many people could benefit from hearing Obama’s voice in public more often.
Obama’s decision to openly challenge Trump underscores the gravity with which he perceives the situation. It is uncommon for former presidents to directly criticize their successors, but Obama appears willing to deviate from tradition to address what he views as threats to American democracy.
The ongoing conflict between current and former presidents highlights increasing tensions over the extent of military power Trump should wield within the United States. As Trump advocates for increased federal control over local law enforcement, Obama warns that such measures endanger the rights of all Americans.
