Obama Criticizes Trump Over Media Freedom, Tariffs

Former President Barack Obama has sharply criticized President Donald Trump's administration for what he describes as a crackdown on media freedom, targeting of political opponents, and threats to institutions supporting diversity and free expression. Speaking at Hamilton College, Obama condemned the decision to deny The Associated Press access to key areas of the White House after the agency refused to use the term 'Gulf of America,' a name Trump recently introduced. He also denounced new tariffs and a directive from the Department of Education that pressures schools to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, warning these actions threaten academic and civil freedoms. Obama emphasized the responsibility of ordinary citizens to protect democracy, lamenting the lack of vocal opposition from political figures who would have reacted differently if he or previous Democratic presidents had acted similarly. He expressed deep concern over a federal government that intimidates universities regarding free speech. Overall, Obama framed these developments as detrimental to the fundamental principles of democracy.