Former U.S. President Barack Obama has sharply criticised the economic damage under President Donald Trump's administration, the trade dispute with Canada, the war with Iran and the government's actions.

Speaking at a Democratic election campaign rally at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Obama used humour and forceful criticism to attack the Trump administration's political, economic and foreign policies.

At the rally ahead of the U.S. congressional midterm elections on November 3, Obama campaigned in support of Jocelyn Benson, who is running for governor of Michigan, and Abdul El-Sayed, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

In particular, Obama criticised Trump's trade measures against Canada, America's close neighbour, and jokingly mocked Trump's approach of portraying Canada as a historic enemy of the United States.

Sarcastically referring to Canada as America's old enemy and a great evil power, Obama pointed out that Canadians are very kind people.

Canada is the country that has given Americans comedians such as Martin Short and the sweet syrup made from maple sap. He humorously questioned why the United States should pick a fight with such people.

Obama also criticised Trump's repeated talk of turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state, saying that such approaches had created unnecessary resentment among Canadians.

He said tariffs imposed against Canada were damaging the American economy itself, particularly Michigan's automobile manufacturing industry.

Noting the long-established, integrated vehicle manufacturing and parts supply chains between Canada and the United States, Obama said additional tariffs on Canadian goods were also increasing costs for American manufacturers.

He also alleged that the Trump administration had proceeded with its measures despite warnings that tariffs would drive up the prices of goods.

Criticising U.S. military action involving Iran, Obama said Trump had started an unnecessary war that the public had neither asked for nor voted to support.

While the Trump administration has claimed that the war against Iran delivered a major victory for the United States, Obama argued that Iran's influence over the global oil supply had actually increased.

Pointing in particular to security threats facing ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the global oil trade, he said Iran had gained the ability to obstruct oil shipments through that passage.

Obama alleged that the war with Iran had increased oil and diesel prices, with the effects being felt in Americans' everyday living costs.

He also criticised Trump for prioritising tax breaks benefiting the wealthy instead of fulfilling his promises to ease the economic burden on the American people.

Pointing to the growing U.S. national debt, Obama mocked Republicans who speak forcefully about public debt when Democrats are in office but are now silent on the same issue.

Discussing immigration controls, Obama said he supported secure U.S. borders and ensuring lawful immigration.

However, he criticised the deployment of large numbers of officers into cities, the arrest and detention of people and harsh measures carried out in the name of immigration enforcement as unacceptable.

Obama also sharply mocked Trump's White House renovation plans.

He noted that, while Americans were facing rising prices and economic hardship, Trump was focusing on building a new ballroom at the White House, remodelling the Rose Garden and adding more gold-coloured decorations.

Obama joked that Trump's enthusiasm for renovating the White House made him seem better suited to a home renovation television programme.

At the same time, Obama made serious allegations that Trump and his family were using their power for personal financial gain.

He argued that using political influence to increase personal income and granting favours in return for political support posed a danger to American democracy.

He also accused Republican members of Congress of failing to restrain such actions by the Trump administration.

Obama further condemned political attacks based on the name and Islamic religious background of Abdul El-Sayed, the Senate candidate in Michigan.

Recalling false information spread about his own birthplace and religious identity during his presidential campaigns, he said using people's ethnic and religious identities to defeat political opponents was incompatible with democracy.

Criticising the current political climate in the United States as an expression of chaos, cruelty, corruption and incompetent administration, Obama said the forthcoming midterm elections would provide an important opportunity to change the situation.

Although Trump's presidency is set to continue for another two years, he emphasised that voters have the power to place checks on his administration's actions.

In particular, he said changing the balance of power in Congress could bring accountability to the president's actions.

At the same time, he stressed that the Democratic Party should go beyond opposing Trump and present clear alternative plans to reduce living costs, improve healthcare, expand housing and advance the economy.

Responding to Obama's allegations, Trump criticised Obama's administration in a social media post and also launched harsh personal attacks against Abdul El-Sayed.

As the November 3 elections approach, with the balance of power in both houses of Congress at stake, former President Obama's direct involvement in campaigning and criticism of Trump's administration have taken on significance in American politics.