On June 17, during the Connecticut Forum, former President Barack Obama delivered a pointed critique of Donald Trump’s leadership, cautioning that the United States is “dangerously close” to evolving into an autocracy.

Obama voiced his apprehension regarding the normalization of anti-democratic conduct, particularly highlighting the current administration’s reaction to anti-ICE protests. “There is a weak commitment to what we understood as the foundations of a liberal democracy,” he remarked, pointing to the diminishing checks and balances and the threats posed to the rule of law.

He underscored the necessity of resistance—not solely from civil society and entities outside the government but also from bipartisan political figures prepared to oppose anti-democratic measures. “What we’re witnessing… is not in alignment with American democracy,” Obama asserted, drawing parallels between recent occurrences and autocratic regimes such as Hungary under Viktor Orbán.

Obama elucidated that autocracy is characterized by power being concentrated in the hands of a single leader, frequently unrestrained by advisors, courts, or the media. Citizens possess little to no influence in governance—an aspect he fears America may be nearing if prevailing trends persist.

In spite of the cautionary message, Obama adopted a stance of measured optimism. He urged young individuals to remain intolerant of injustice while simultaneously fostering coalitions. “Change is a game of addition, not subtraction,” he stated, advocating for unity rather than division.

His comments came in the wake of the nationwide “No Kings” protests. While commending grassroots activism, Obama also urged elected officials to assume more proactive roles in safeguarding democratic institutions.

Notably, critics point out that Obama’s own administration was responsible for deporting more individuals annually than Trump’s.