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Obama criticizes Trump-era policies at presidential center opening
Former President Barack Obama used the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago to defend democratic values and criticize policies associated with President Donald Trump, without mentioning him by name.
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IANS - Fri, 19, Jun 2026
- 06:38 EDT
- 43
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Former President Barack Obama highlighted democratic values and criticized policies associated with President Donald Trump without naming him directly. / File Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool via REUTERS
Former President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump during the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, without mentioning him by name.
A US presidential center is a complex dedicated to a former president's legacy and typically includes a museum, educational facilities, public programs and an archive of presidential records.
Reflecting on history, Obama emphasized the American ideal of "no kings or lords, no serfs or subjects," echoing the "No Kings" protests and marches that have taken place across the country in recent months, Xinhua news agency reported.
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He also appeared to criticize Trump's immigration policies by praising residents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who, he said, "braved frigid temperatures, risking their own safety, standing shoulder to shoulder to look out for their neighbours, and sometimes look out for strangers, because they knew that was the right thing to do."
Obama expressed hope that the newly opened center would affirm "how precious our democracy truly is."
Obama first came to Chicago in 1985 at the age of 23 as a community organizer. In his remarks, he reflected on meeting his wife, starting a family and beginning his political career not far from the site of the presidential center.
Michelle Obama, who grew up and began her career on Chicago's South Side, also addressed the gathering. She praised her husband's optimism, work ethic, moral courage and achievements.
She added that "no one, I mean no one, has the right to judge who's American enough."
Former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden attended the ceremony with their spouses. The event drew thousands of attendees. Trump was not invited, according to local media reports.
The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open to the public on Friday.
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