Obama attacks Trump over Iran war while campaigning for El-Sayed in Michigan

Former US president Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war while campaigning for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on Saturday, urging voters to deliver a check on the administration in the November 3 midterm elections.

Appearing at Cass Technical High School alongside El-Sayed and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson, Obama blamed Trump’s policies, including the war and tariffs, for increasing financial pressure on American households.

Michigan Public reported that he also accused Trump and his family of using the presidency for personal enrichment.

The Iran conflict featured prominently in Obama’s criticism during a day of campaigning in Michigan and Ohio. Speaking earlier in Cleveland, he accused Trump of choosing a war without public demand.

“Most importantly, he decided to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for,” Obama said.

In Detroit, Obama connected his criticism of the administration to a call for stronger congressional oversight. Addressing more than 4,300 people on Michigan’s first day of early in-person voting, he described the midterms as a “circuit breaker” and an opportunity to restrain Trump’s agenda, Bridge Michigan reported.

El-Sayed faces Republican former congressman Mike Rogers in a closely contested Senate race. Obama’s appearance offered the Democratic nominee a prominent endorsement as the campaign entered its final stretch. “Fighting for change, real change, that will get money out of politics and put money in your pocket," he said.

Obama also defended El-Sayed against attacks involving his Muslim faith, drawing parallels with the false claims about his own religion and identity that circulated during his political career.

"We have seen this movie before. I starred in it.”

He welcomed El-Sayed’s past criticism of his presidency, presenting disagreement within the Democratic Party as healthy rather than a reason to withhold support.

El-Sayed has emerged as a sharp critic of Israel and US military support for the country. He opposes US military aid to Israel and has argued that Washington should prioritize domestic needs. His stance has energized progressive supporters while alienating some Jewish and moderate voters, presenting a challenge as he seeks to unite Michigan Democrats ahead of the election.