In a recent speech in Hartford, Connecticut, former President Barack Obama voiced deep concern about the United States’ direction under Donald Trump’s leadership, warning that the nation is “dangerously close” to becoming an autocracy. He drew parallels to countries like Hungary under Viktor Orbán, where democratic structures exist but true democratic principles are eroded. While Obama has mostly remained in the background since leaving office in 2017, he has occasionally criticized Trump’s decisions, including cuts to educational institutions and the use of aggressive economic policies. His latest remarks reflect a broader alarm about threats to democratic norms, highlighting increasing authoritarian tendencies in government rhetoric and actions, including militarized responses to protests and diminished civil liberties.

Obama’s warning came as over 2,000 “No King” protests erupted nationwide, opposing what participants see as creeping authoritarianism and elite control. He praised these demonstrations as vital expressions of civic responsibility but emphasized that preserving democracy requires more than public outcry—it demands principled resistance from within government institutions as well. Despite his concerns, Obama concluded on an optimistic note, urging young people to stay engaged, bridge divides, and work toward inclusive progress. Invoking Abraham Lincoln’s idea of the nation’s “better angels,” he called for empathy and unity as essential tools in defending American democracy and rebuilding a just, equitable society.