Former President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump’s administration and foreign policy during a campaign rally in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Speaking in support of Democratic candidates former Sen. Sherrod Brown and Amy Acton, Obama addressed the ongoing war in Iran, trade relations with Canada, and over $900 million in renovations at the White House.
The former president discussed the U.S.-led strikes against Iran that began in late February, which Trump stated were necessary due to nuclear concerns. Obama argued that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which Trump withdrew from in 2018, had already addressed those issues through diplomacy. Trump previously stated the deal allowed Iran to reach the brink of a nuclear breakout.
Obama also remarked on the appearance of the White House following extensive renovations, comparing the decor to a "Cheesecake Factory" opened by Saddam Hussein. He further criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his focus on troop testosterone levels and jawlines. Obama also cited the trade war with Canada as a factor in the rising cost of living, while the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The ongoing war in Iran has had a concrete impact on American households through skyrocketing fuel and diesel prices, following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Pentagon, the eight-month conflict has resulted in 21 American service members killed and 865 wounded. A recent AP/NORC poll found that 56% of Republican voters and 47% of Democratic voters believe ending the war should be a top priority for the next Congress.
The U.S. military remains engaged in drafting attack plans as Tehran threatens retaliation. Domestically, voters will see the results of these political shifts during the midterm elections on November 3, 2026. While Trump has denied reports of munitions shortages, Obama claimed the U.S. has run down its stock of missiles. The final status of various domestic projects, such as the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, remains in progress, with Trump stating the pool refilling was 85% complete as of Friday, October 23.