Former President Barack Obama has lashed out at efforts to remove foreign activists from America’s universities for promoting pro-terrorist propaganda.
During a speech at Hamilton College, Obama blasted President Donald Trump for putting pressure on universities, law firms, and global economic partners.
Without directly naming Trump, Obama made it clear that his disapproval was aimed at the 47th president.
Obama said he’s “deeply concerned” over Trump’s efforts to deport foreign terrorist sympathizers, describing the actions as troubling federal behavior.
He argued that foreign nationals spreading terrorist propaganda in American schools are simply “exercising their right to free speech.”
The ex-POTUS slammed Trump’s deportation efforts while taking swipes at his tariffs plan.
“I don’t think what we just witnessed in terms of economic policy and tariffs is going to be good for America, but that’s a specific policy,” Obama said during his remarks.
“I’m more deeply concerned with a federal government that threatens universities if they don’t give up students who are exercising their right to free speech.”
Obama’s comments come days after the Trump administration enacted a series of new tariffs on imports from dozens of nations, citing U.S. trade deficits.
The Trump admin also took aim at college campuses across the country where pro-Hamas and anti-Israel demonstrations have escalated, including building takeovers and clashes involving masked protesters.
The federal government has publicly stated that its focus is not on targeting peaceful speech but ensuring campus safety while enforcing national security and immigration laws.
Officials have raised concerns about student visa holders involved in protests supporting groups like Hamas.
The administration has signaled that students from foreign countries who violate visa terms or are connected to anti-Israel demonstrations that include violence or threats will face removal from the country.
President Trump has previously defended the administration’s stance, saying U.S. campuses must not become “safe spaces for terror sympathizers.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has already initiated reviews of student visa holders allegedly involved in campus unrest.
“A visa is a privilege, not a right,” a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson stated last week.
Obama’s remarks also referenced recent federal actions involving law firms and media access.
He warned against what he sees as an erosion of civil liberties and questioned the direction the country is heading under Trump’s leadership.
“Imagine if I had done any of this,” Obama said, prompting comparisons to his own administration’s history.
Some critics have pointed out Obama’s own record during his presidency, including the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) surveillance of reporters.
In one instance, Obama’s DOJ named Fox News reporter James Rosen as a possible co-conspirator in a leak investigation.
The administration also secretly obtained phone records from Associated Press journalists and faced scrutiny over the IRS’s handling of conservative nonprofit applications.
The Trump administration has responded to Obama’s recent criticism by reaffirming its commitment to national security and the rule of law.
Officials say efforts to crack down on pro-terror activism on campuses, enforce trade fairness, and strengthen immigration enforcement are key to restoring American strength at home and abroad.
While Obama has remained a popular figure within the Democratic Party, his appearance comes at a time when Democrats are regrouping after a difficult election cycle.
President Trump defeated the Democrat nominee in November.
Polls now indicate continued voter dissatisfaction with the Democrats’ economic and immigration platforms.
Trump and top administration officials are expected to deliver further comments this week on campus safety, immigration enforcement, and trade policy.
The administration has indicated it will continue pursuing strict measures to address both domestic and international challenges.
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