Kathrine Frich
Tensions between two of America’s most prominent political figures have flared again after President Donald Trump delivered a fierce new attack on Barack Obama.
His comments came as fresh polling revealed that most Americans still view Obama more favourably than the current president.
Renewed political battles
In a short video shared on his Truth Social account, President Trump criticised the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.
“As I’ve said for years, Obamacare is a total disaster waiting to happen,” he said. “Rates are going through the roof for the really bad healthcare that you’re not getting, even. Do something Democrats. Sit down and do something.”
He added, “We wanna make it better or we wanna get something that’s good. Obamacare is a disaster. Too expensive and the rates are going too high. I said it right from the beginning, it’s no good.”
Trump’s comments came shortly after Democrats made significant gains in several state elections. Zohran Mamdani won the New York mayoral race, while Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger secured the governorships of New Jersey and Virginia.
The results were a blow to Republicans nationwide, increasing pressure on the president ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
Divided over healthcare
The renewed focus on Obamacare follows years of political division over the healthcare law.
Signed by Obama in 2010, it remains one of the most consequential reforms in modern US history, expanding medical coverage to millions of Americans.
The political standoff comes as the United States faces the longest government shutdown in its history, which began on October 1. Disagreements over budget allocations and health subsidies have left both parties deadlocked.
According to Reuters, a new KFF poll found that 74 percent of adults across the country support extending tax credits linked to the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire by the end of the year.
Polls paint a grim picture
A separate CNN poll published this week showed President Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 37 percent, one of the lowest of his presidency.
Researchers surveyed 1,245 adults between October 27 and 30, finding that 63 percent disapproved of his overall performance.
The figures are only slightly above his record low, recorded after the Capitol riot in January 2021.
The same poll found that 68 percent of Americans believe the country is doing “pretty or very badly,” with the economy and cost of living topping public concerns.
Obama holds firm
Barack Obama, now an active voice in Democratic campaigning, has recently delivered his own sharp criticisms of Trump while supporting key gubernatorial candidates.
During one speech, he remarked that Trump had turned out to be “worse than even I expected.”
A separate Marquette University poll, conducted from September 5 to 24, found that 57 percent of respondents viewed Obama favourably, compared with 42 percent for Trump.
Obama’s net favourability was +17, while Trump’s stood at -15.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, both men remain powerful figures within their respective parties. Trump continues to position himself as a fighter against what he calls “Democratic failures,” while Obama seeks to strengthen his party’s appeal to moderate and younger voters.
Sources: Unilad, Reuters, CNN, Marquette University, Express.co.uk
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
