21 April 2025 : In a little over two weeks, three former US presidents have stepped into the public spotlight to raise concerns about President Donald Trump – an unusual move given the long-standing tradition of ex-presidents avoiding criticism of their successors.
While Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Bill Clinton didn’t mention Trump by name, their messages were clear, according to a report by The Washington Post.
Through both their words and appearances, the Democratic leaders signalled that American democracy is facing an abnormal moment, where longstanding norms are being cast aside and exceptional responses are necessary. The report added that among living presidents, only Republican George W Bush has stayed silent since Trump’s inauguration, though he has made his dislike for Trump fairly evident.
Barack Obama urged Americans to resist President Donald Trump’s bullying. Joe Biden warned that Trump is wrecking the “sacred promise” of Social Security. Bill Clinton decried the emphasis on grievances and the need to dominate.
Historian Timothy Naftali from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs told The Washington Post, “Former presidents are uniquely qualified and situated to raise their voices and warn the American people if the country is taking a dangerous turn.”
“Think of them as a sort of advisory council to the people of the United States. And when the advisory council sounds the alarm, the people should listen.”
Naftali also noted, “What is really significant is this is happening before the end of the first 100 days of the Trump presidency. Ordinarily, former presidents give the current president space to establish himself and learn the rules of the road. … But these presidents already see the contours of the changes that President Trump wishes to bring.”
Summary:
Former U.S. Presidents Obama, Biden, and Clinton have issued rare public rebukes of Donald Trump, addressing issues like bullying, Social Security, and divisive politics.