Former US President Barack Obama has criticised Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war, rising consumer prices and the administration’s policies as he campaigns for Democratic candidates ahead of the November midterm elections.

Speaking at rallies in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, 24 October, Obama urged voters to use the elections to hold the Republican administration accountable. The vote on 3 November will determine control of Congress for the remainder of Trump’s presidential term.

“This election is our last best chance to at least rein in some of the foolishness of this administration,” Obama told supporters in Ohio.

The former president also criticised what he described as two years of political turmoil, corruption and poor leadership. He argued that voters who turned away from Democrats in 2024 over the cost of living had reasons to be frustrated, but said Trump had failed to ease their economic concerns.

“If you thought everything was too expensive before ‘you know who’, everything is more expensive now,” Obama said, referring to Trump without naming him directly.

Iran war and fuel prices dominate campaign debate

The conflict involving Iran has emerged as a key issue in the campaign, alongside the rising cost of fuel and other household expenses.

Obama argued that the war had strengthened Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil supplies. He said the conflict had given Tehran significant power over access to the waterway.

Trump defended his handling of the war when questioned by reporters, saying he could bring the conflict to an end or reach an agreement with Iran.

“I’ve done it very effectively and I may have to finish it off, or maybe they’ll make a deal, but I’m not sure. Either way, we win,” the president said.

Trump also acknowledged that oil prices remained high but expressed confidence that fuel costs would fall.

“Our country is getting stronger and stronger all the time, and those pump prices are going to come down,” he said.

The president has faced pressure over energy costs, with the conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine cited in the report as factors contributing to higher oil prices.

Trump defends tariffs and immigration policies

While Obama addressed Democratic supporters in the Midwest, Trump held a rally in Georgia, where he defended his economic and immigration policies.

Trump described the United States as entering a “golden age” and argued that tariffs were generating substantial revenue for the country.

He also repeated a pledge to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans secured control of both chambers of Congress. The proposal was presented as a campaign promise, rather than an enacted government policy.

Trump warned supporters that Democrats would undermine personal wealth and weaken border controls. He also criticised immigration from several countries, including Libya, Yemen, Haiti and Somalia, using derogatory language to describe some of them.

The competing rallies highlighted the differences between the two parties as they seek to persuade voters on the economy, national security and immigration.

Obama mocks White House renovations

Obama also took aim at Trump’s efforts to renovate the White House, turning the changes into a punchline during his Ohio appearance.

“What’s with all the gold? He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened up a Cheesecake Factory,” Obama joked.

His visit was intended to support Democratic candidates seeking office in Ohio.

Among them was former senator Sherrod Brown, who is seeking to unseat Republican Senator Jon Husted. Obama also backed Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate challenging Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the Ohio governor’s race.

Obama criticised a campaign advertisement released by Ramaswamy that featured Acton’s estranged mother describing her as a liar. The advertisement did not mention that Acton’s father had been charged with raping her when she was a child, according to the report.

“In recent days, we’ve seen there is no line he will not cross. No low he will not sink to try to get in the limelight,” Obama said.

Acton, who also addressed the rally, accused Ramaswamy of exploiting her childhood to bolster his campaign.

The dispute added a personal dimension to an election season already dominated by national political divisions.

Midterm elections could reshape Trump’s final two years

The 3 November midterms will determine which party controls the US Congress for the remainder of Trump’s term. The outcome will influence how easily the president can advance his legislative agenda and how effectively congressional Democrats can challenge his administration.

Early voting has begun in some areas, and Trump cast his ballot in Florida on Saturday before travelling to Georgia to campaign for Republican candidates.

With Obama campaigning for Democrats and Trump rallying his own supporters, both parties are seeking to turn concerns about the economy, immigration and foreign policy into votes.

The central question for voters is whether they believe the administration’s policies are improving their lives or whether Congress should provide a stronger check on the president’s power.