On Thursday, April 3, former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s actions during his second term. They both expressed strong concerns about how the country is being led.

Speaking at Hamilton College, Obama said it was his first time speaking publicly in a while. He criticized Trump’s changes to the federal government, tough immigration policies, and efforts to pressure the media and legal system.

“Imagine if I had done any of this,” Obama said. “It’s hard to believe the same people who are quiet now would have accepted this kind of behavior from me or any other past president.”

Obama also disagreed with Trump’s new tariff plans, saying they likely won’t help America. But what worried him more was how the White House is handling basic rights. He mentioned that the government is threatening colleges for not giving up students who protest and pressuring law firms that work with people the White House doesn’t like.

“This is not how things should work in America,” he said.

Kamala Harris also gave a speech on Thursday, saying Trump’s return to office has made many people feel afraid. She said his recent actions were expected but still troubling.

Trump had recently made a deal with the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where Harris’ husband used to work. The firm agreed to provide $100 million in free legal work during Trump’s second term. This comes as Trump pressures firms that have helped his political opponents.

Doug Emhoff, Harris’ husband, responded earlier by saying, “The rule of law and democracy are under attack, and lawyers must stand up.”

Harris ended her speech by encouraging people not to let fear take over. “Fear can spread quickly,” she said, “but so can courage.”