In a recent talk at Hamilton College, former President Barack Obama didn’t hold back when it came to criticizing the Trump administration. Without even saying Trump’s name, Obama made it clear he’s seriously concerned about the direction things are heading—especially when it comes to free speech and democracy (Yahoo News).
One of the biggest things on his mind? The idea that colleges could lose federal funding if they don’t crack down on student protests—specifically those supporting Palestine. Obama said universities should stick to their values, even if that means risking money from the government. Free speech, he argued, shouldn’t come with conditions.
He also called out other recent moves, like immigration crackdowns that target student activists and an executive order that forces law firms to reveal their political donations. Obama said these kinds of actions are more about intimidation than policy—and warned they could seriously damage our democracy (The Guardian).
Obama made a pretty strong point: If he had tried any of this while he was in office, the backlash would’ve been massive. He urged universities, lawyers, and everyday people to stand up for democratic values and push back against anything that threatens them.
His message was clear—now’s not the time to stay quiet. It’s time to pay attention, speak up, and protect what matters most.
