Obama blasts Trump’s “shambolic” policies as he rallies Democrats ahead of key state elections

Former US president Barack Obama hit the campaign trail on Saturday to rally support for Democrats ahead of critical state elections, sharply criticizing Donald Trump’s economic policies and warning of growing threats to American democracy.

Appearing before enthusiastic crowds in Virginia and New Jersey, Obama stumped for Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill, two Democratic gubernatorial candidates in races seen as early indicators for the 2026 midterm elections.

The 64-year-old former president took aim at Trump’s handling of the economy, pointing to persistent inflation, high housing costs, and what he called a “shambolic tariff policy.”

“For ordinary families, costs haven’t gone down, they’ve gone up — thanks to this shambolic tariff policy,” Obama said during a rally in Norfolk, Virginia, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Is the economy working better for you? Because it sure has gotten better for Trump and his family.”

Obama reminded voters that despite Trump’s campaign promises, little had improved under his second term. “Has any of that gotten better?” he asked, prompting a loud “No!” from the audience.

The former president’s campaign appearances mark a more active role after months of relative silence on the political stage. In Newark, New Jersey, Obama urged supporters to “point America in a better direction,” while acknowledging the serious challenges facing US democracy.

“We don’t need to speculate about the dangers to our democracy — they’re here,” he said.

Obama also criticized Republican lawmakers for failing to stand up to Trump and expressed concern about a US Supreme Court he said showed “no willingness to check this administration’s excesses.”

According to recent polls, Spanberger holds a nine-point lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia, while Sherrill faces a tight race in New Jersey against Republican businessman Jack Ciattarelli.

The off-year elections on November 4 will also include contests in New York and two other states, serving as key tests for both parties ahead of the next national election cycle.