Obama Urges Democrats to Take Action Against Trump-Era Policies

Discontent with Trump’s Leadership Grows

Former President Barack Obama is calling on Democrats to toughen up and take action as Donald Trump’s policies continue to divide the nation.

In recent weeks, public approval of Trump’s leadership has dipped significantly. A June poll surveying 523 adults found that fewer than half approved of the president’s performance, giving Trump a net approval rating of -7.

“Now Is the Time to Act”

Speaking at a private fundraiser on July 11, Obama challenged Democrats to stop sitting on the sidelines.

“It’s going to require a little less navel-gazing, a little less whining, and being in fetal positions,” he said, as reported by CNN. “It’s going to require Democrats to toughen up.”

Obama didn’t mince words.

“Don’t tell me you’re a Democrat but you’re kind of disappointed right now, so you’re not doing anything,” he said. “No, now is exactly the time that you get in there and do something.”

He emphasized the importance of defending core American values—especially free speech.

“You stand up for free speech when it’s hard. When someone says something you don’t like, you still say, ‘That person has the right to speak.’”

Warning Signs of Autocracy

This isn’t the first time Obama has raised concerns about America’s democratic backslide. In June, he warned that the U.S. could slip into autocracy under Trump’s leadership.

“What we’re seeing right now is not consistent with American democracy,” he said. “It is consistent with autocracies—like Hungary under Orbán.”

Obama pointed to signs of weak commitment to democratic norms, such as limited checks and balances, erosion of free speech, and lack of accountability.

A Country at a Crossroads

Although he stopped short of declaring the U.S. an autocracy, Obama made it clear that the country is “dangerously close.”

His message to Democrats? The time for hesitation is over. Speak up. Stand firm. Fi.ght for what matters.