Obama opens his center with a warning about America’s future
The former president defended the courts, the press and constitutional norms — drawing sharp contrasts with the Trump era.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/18/obama-presidential-center-chicago-trump-00967699In a tribute to her husband that brought Barack Obama to tears, Michelle Obama called out those who spread “the lies about your birthright, your patriotism,” omitting any mention of then-businessperson Donald Trump’s starring role in amplifying those narratives.
And during his half-hour speech, the former president’s biggest applause lines targeted issues that have drawn scrutiny of the Trump administration, including that the founders of the United States declared “there will be no kings or lords.”
“People are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect. Deep in our gut, we want to find a way to turn toward each other again, not further away,” he said.
Obama spoke of an independent judiciary, a robust free press and that allegiance should not be “to any presidents or political parties but to the people and our constitution.”
Asked for comment about the Obamas’ decision not to invite the current president, a White House spokesperson pointed to Trump’s recent Truth Social posts, including one in which he described the new presidential center as a garbage dump.
All other living Commander In Chiefs were in attendance.
Center CEO says he's welcome to visit. Of course he wouldn't have come anyway
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