Obama attacks Trump over inflation as Democrats fight for Michigan Senate seat

Former U.S. President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump’s economic policies at a Michigan campaign rally on Saturday, attributing rising consumer prices to tariffs and the Iran war. Obama addressed around 4,300 supporters at a Detroit high school, urging Democrats to support Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed against Republican Mike Rogers in a highly competitive race.

Obama contended that Trump’s trade policies and military actions in Iran had contributed to higher fuel prices, household expenses, and the federal deficit. He also criticized Republican lawmakers for not opposing Trump, stating that the midterm elections offered an opportunity for voters to demand more congressional oversight. The Michigan Senate contest is pivotal to Democrats’ hopes of regaining control of the Senate, where they require a net gain of four seats.

El-Sayed leads Rogers in recent polls, and the race has become the most expensive Senate contest in Michigan’s history. The winner would replace retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters, making the seat critical to both parties’ calculations for Senate control. Obama accused Rogers of initially backing Trump’s tariffs and Iran war, later distancing himself from those positions.

The ex-president endorsed El-Sayed’s campaign, advocating for reducing political influence over government while tackling household financial pressures. If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history, a claim refuted by Republicans like Vice President JD Vance, who have alleged connections between El-Sayed and the Muslim Brotherhood.

However, El-Sayed has denied these allegations, with no evidence presented to support them. Obama’s speech in Michigan came after a previous campaign event in Ohio, as Democrats ramp up efforts to mobilize voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.