Barack Obama recently warned that the U.S. is “dangerously close” to becoming an autocracy under Donald Trump’s leadership. Speaking in Connecticut, he compared the situation to countries like Hungary, where elections exist but democracy is eroded.

Since leaving office, Obama has largely remained quiet but is now voicing deeper concerns. He criticized Trump-era decisions like defunding institutions and harsh tariffs, and he drew attention to rising authoritarian behaviors, such as suppressing protests and expanding immigration crackdowns.

Obama emphasized that these actions mirror regimes that ignore transparency and human rights while claiming to be democratic. He pointed to militarized responses and anti-dissent rhetoric as troubling signs.

Still, Obama ended on a hopeful note, urging young people to stay active, seek unity, and push for change through empathy and inclusion. Quoting Lincoln, he called for a return to the nation’s “better angels” to protect democracy.