Former U.S. President Barack Obama has urged citizens, universities, and law firms to resist the policies of President Donald Trump, cautioning that protecting democratic values in 2025 may require people to “possibly sacrifice” more than they have in the past.
Speaking during an event at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, Obama warned about a growing erosion of free speech, academic freedom, and institutional independence under the current administration.
Obama’s Message: Defend Democracy, Even at a Cost
Obama pointed out that, until recently, it was relatively easy to call oneself a progressive or support free speech without facing consequences.
“It has been easy during most of our lifetimes to say you are for social justice or free speech and not have to pay a price for it,” he said.
“Now we’re at one of those moments where… you may actually have to do something.”
He called on everyday citizens to speak out against policies that undermine civil liberties, stating, “It is up to all of us to fix this.”
Criticism of Trump’s Education Crackdown
Obama expressed concern over federal pressure on universities, especially those supporting diversity programs or allowing pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Under Trump’s administration, schools like Columbia University have faced harsh consequences, including:
- Loss of federal funding (Columbia reportedly lost $400 million)
- Increased campus surveillance
- Restrictions on protests in academic buildings
Obama defended the right of universities to stand by their principles and challenge intimidation. He told institutions:
“If not, and you’re just being intimidated, well, you should be able to say: ‘That’s why we got this big endowment.’”
Immigration Crackdowns on Student Protesters
Recent enforcement actions have extended to international students, with immigration agents arresting and seeking to deport students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
Obama condemned these moves, framing them as politically motivated attempts to suppress dissent on college campuses. Federal agencies have acted against several students, claiming they violated immigration laws by participating in unauthorized political activities.
Law Firms and Media Also Under Fire
Obama further criticized corporate law firms that were penalized by the Trump administration for representing political opponents or being connected to legal cases filed against Trump during the Biden era.
He also denounced the restriction of media access, after the Associated Press faced backlash and access limits for refusing to use the administration’s term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.”
“It’s unimaginable that the same parties that are silent now would have tolerated behavior like that from me,” Obama said, referencing his own presidency.