On Thursday, April 3, 2025, former President Barack Obama addressed an audience at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. He discussed the varying levels of scrutiny faced by his administration compared to that of current President Donald Trump. Obama highlighted what he perceives as a double standard in political accountability.
“It’s unimaginable that the same parties that are silent now would have tolerated behavior like that from me or a whole bunch of my predecessors,” Obama said, receiving applause from the audience. Recording of the speech was prohibited.
CNN Politics writer David Wright detailed Obama’s comments in a thread on X. The former president discussed recent actions by the Trump administration concerning law firms and universities amid accusations that these institutions are not sufficiently protecting Jewish students from antisemitism.
Obama posed a hypothetical scenario questioning the reaction if he had taken similar actions during his presidency. “Imagine if I had said to law firms that were representing parties that were upset with policies my administration had initiated that you will not be allowed into government buildings. We will punish you economically for dissenting from the Affordable Care Act or the Iran Deal,” he stated.
The speech coincided with a significant market downturn, the most severe since the COVID-19 pandemic. Obama also expressed skepticism about President Trump’s recent tariff announcements on foreign countries, questioning their potential benefits to the U.S. economy.
Furthermore, Obama voiced concern over governmental overreach, particularly regarding threats to universities when students exercise their free speech rights.
Obama’s appearance at Hamilton College was a rare public critique, as he generally maintains a low profile post-presidency. His remarks urged academic and legal institutions to resist White House pressure despite the risk of losing federal funding.
The Trump administration has recently targeted various universities, including Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard, threatening their funding over allegations of antisemitism on campuses. Critics argue these measures aim to suppress dissent and target institutions perceived as political adversaries.
During his speech, Obama reflected on the different scrutiny he faced during his presidency, citing the 2014 “tan suit” incident. This involved significant media and political attention after he wore a light tan suit during a White House press conference.
The event was a routine briefing on serious issues like the threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS). However, the public and media focus shifted to Obama’s attire rather than the content of his remarks. Some criticized the suit for lacking the seriousness expected of a commander-in-chief discussing national security.
Many later viewed the tan suit controversy as an example of superficial criticism compared to the political norms that followed. This contrasts with the current administration’s aggressive governance style, including removing certain media outlets from White House press pools.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has also commented on the political environment, acknowledging a “great sense of fear” among entities facing “clearly unconstitutional threats” from the administration.
Tensions between universities and the Trump administration have intensified, with some schools resisting White House demands and others altering policies to avoid funding cuts. According to observers, this has had a chilling effect on campus activism and academic freedom.
A key issue is the administration’s use of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to target diversity initiatives and campus protests, particularly those related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Critics argue this represents an inappropriate use of federal authority to influence academic institutions.
The situation has prompted some academics to leave the U.S., with reports of scholars relocating to Canada due to concerns over the political climate and attacks on free speech and academic freedom.
Obama concluded by encouraging universities and law firms to uphold their principles. “Do not get discouraged,” he said, emphasizing the importance of standing firm against threats to preserve American democratic values.
While applauded, Obama’s remarks at Hamilton College highlight a deepening divide in American political discourse about the government’s role in relation to academic institutions, legal entities, and free speech—a debate that continues as the Trump administration advances its policies.
