Breaking silence, Obama speaks out on Trump immigrants order
ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Barack Obama spoke, on Jan. 18, during his final presidential news conference, in the briefing room of the White House in Washington. A spokesman for Obama says the former president “fundamentally disagrees” with discrimination that targets people based on their religion.
WASHINGTON >> Former President Barack Obama praised protesters who amassed across the country in opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration orders, breaking his silence on political issues for the first time since leaving office.
“The president fundamentally disagrees with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith or religion,” Obama’s spokesman, Kevin Lewis, said.
In his first statement on behalf of the former president, Lewis said Obama was “heartened” by the amount of engagement taking place in U.S. communities. Lewis, a former White House official, pointed out that Obama used his last official speech as president to talk about Americans’ responsibility to be “guardians of our democracy,” even in nonelection years.
“Citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble, organize and have their voices heard by their elected officials is exactly what we expect to see when American values are at stake,” Lewis said.
Lewis didn’t specifically invoke Trump’s immigration order. But he rejected comparisons between Trump’s recent actions and Obama’s foreign policy decisions.
Trump said he took cues from Obama by temporarily banning travel to the U.S. from citizens of seven countries that Obama’s administration identified as places of terrorism concern. But Obama’s designation related strictly to eligibility to enter the U.S. without a visa; he never considered a travel ban.
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Obama’s office also circulated excerpts from a speech the former president gave in November 2015, in which he called the idea of a ban on Muslims “shameful.”
“That’s not American. That’s not who we are. We don’t have religious tests to our compassion,” Obama said in the aftermath of attacks in Paris that prompted calls for the U.S. to restrict Syrian refugees from entering the United States.
Trump and the White House have vigorously disputed the notion that Trump’s order is a “Muslim ban.” Trump’s halts all refugee admissions for 120 days, suspends the Syrian refugee program indefinitely and also suspends entry to the U.S. from seven majority-Muslim countries for 90 days. But the White House has stressed that dozens of other Muslim-majority countries aren’t included.
Lewis’ comments mark the first time Obama has weighed in on Trump’s actions since Obama left office on Jan. 20. In his final weeks as president, Obama said he planned to follow George W. Bush’s example by giving his successor room to govern without being second-guessed.
Yet Obama pointedly reserved the right to speak out if Trump violated what Obama called basic American values. He suggested a ban on Muslims or a move by Trump to deport immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children would cross that threshold.
92 responses to “Breaking silence, Obama speaks out on Trump immigrants order”
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President Bush let President Obama do his own thing while in office.
It’s been a week and President Obama is making comments about President Trump already.
Dang.
Exactly! Let the man do the job he was voted to do! We are all aware of his intentions, which is why he won, so let the man do the job he promised the voters to do.
Thank you President Obama for your services, but now it’s time for the new guy!
Yeah. Obama will be inciting more protests because of his comments.
It’s a natural role for the former President. His experience is community organizing, which is basically a fight against the establishment. Even as President he was leading th fight against half of the country. Hillary made the grand mistake of following his lead and expressing her disdain for the deplorables”. That’s one of the primary reasons Trump was elected, and we’re better off for it.
Narcissism is not a good thing.
O the WORST potus in American history.
Well let’s see if this reduces terrorists attacks in the USA.
Lotta good The Incompetent One’s “World Apology Tour” did back in 2009, eh?
Yeah, what is this “breaking silence” stuff?! Obama has barely left the office. What a loser about keeping appropriate decorum when compared to his predecessor (Bush) who NEVER commented on nor criticized him.
Agree, he has no Class!!!
We all knew this bozo would step up to the plate as soon as an opportunity presented itself. I’m surprised only by how long it took him. I figured it would be sooner.
Yup, President Bush had a lot more class and respect for the office than Obama who can’t get out of the spotlight. Ugh.
oh, how we do miss our President Obama. Classy, brilliantly educated, kind, a model husband and father, a true American that defended the constitution. He kept us safe without perverting us or our beloved Constitution. Trump lied about Obama’s 20111 immigration policy. That is what we expect of the illegitimate president called Trump who “won” in a rigged election. Rigged by a foreign power! Just appalling!
All that and without a cent of economic knowledge who made EO’s fashionable paving a way for the next constitutionally elected President Trump.
First president in US history who was at war every day of his tenure.
Maybe only one of them. Although Johnson was mainly responsible for what was up until then perhaps the worst mistake in US history – his escalation and conduct of the war in Vietnam – you might argue he had the same record of not a day without war.
Cumulatively, the mess that Hillary and Obama have made of the middle east,especially Syria, might rank right up there. Hopefully, with them gone, something can now be done that has a chance of success. I think Tulsi Gabbard’s recent statements indicate insight that might offer a successful bipartisan approach.
Foreign countries hated America more than ever under his tenure. It has become too obvious that Obama now wants to divide his very own nation. Why? Time for a change people. OUT with the establishment!
You are an idiot.
How “we” miss Obama………allie, do you have a mouse in your pocket?
hahahaha
Hawaii born ex-President Obama is a hypocrite when it was he that banned Iraqi’s coming to the United States for 6 months, and he named the 7 Countries that sponsored terrorism that the January 27, 2017 President Trump’s Executive Order on Immigration referenced.
ALLIE AND KURO. Allie you need to get a grip of yourself. Obama is a traitor the the USA. The things he did made me want to vomit all over him. Letting the Manning out of prison, pardoning that bomber, what is he thinking and you still believe that he is so great? Mentally, unstable. Kuro, you are on the ball. Good recall of what the traitor did and now is blabbing that Trump is wrong..Trump really made Obama look like he was on an 8 year vacation, since he did nothing great or noteble. The killing of OBL was done by the NAVY SEALS, Obama only gave the okay. He had no choice but to kill OBL his muslim buddy. What the hell he was an illegal also, meaning OBL.
crazy talk but then you are a trump voter
What do you believe is crazy about his comments? For example, releasing Manning, you’re OK with that?
Well, talking about vomiting all over himself is pretty lolo. Although maybe he does that by the end of every Saturday night out, I dunno.
I agree with Allie Trump is the best!
yes, I am. I have the same right as you do to vote for the person who I think will do the best for our nation. MAGA. You firmly believe the BHO is the best since ice cream and apple pie. Get a grip his time has passed, he had the chance but you seem to be paralyzed by the fact that he did ZERO in 8 whole years. And you love him for that? You must be some kind of psycho. Yes, Obamasan does make me want to vomit, even all over myself because he is such a terrible lying, double-crossing, full of s–t has been traitor to all the people of the US, and that includes you too allie and hanabataboy. Grow up have a nice life and die.
Absolutely correct. Obama is nothing more than a left leaning closet Muslim. We had 8 long years of him leading from behind and protecting the Islamic Jihadis and the Moslem
Brotherhood. Glad he is gone and replaced by Trump who is a true leader and who has our country’s interest at heart. I pray that God will guide and protect Trump just as
George Washington and the founding fathers received divine guidance and protection from the Creator. There was no other way that they could have prevailed against
the mightiest military power in the world at that time, the British empire.
Most of them were Deists, if not atheists. Jefferson created his own Bible by throwing away 95% of it except for Jesus’ own words. And Trump only knows one verse, “An eye for an eye” — his one and only favorite.
HanabataDays: “Trump only knows one verse, ‘An eye for an eye’ — his one and only favorite.”
Exactly. Trump is an Old Testament kind of guy, a world of blood sacrifices; stoning of thieves, blasphemers, adulterers and gays and other harsh punishments; limited rights for the poor, minorities and women; Kings with slaves, concubines and palaces of gold; assassinations and betrayal and bloody wars lasting generations; bitter cursing and crushing of enemies (the women and children too); justice was “might makes right” and brutal revenge, not not mercy. These are still the religious values that dominate the Muslims and Jews of the Mid-East, and that lead to an endless cycle of ever worsening violence and conflict.
Christ’s life and death were a response to these values, and an attempt to help mankind transcend them. So how would Trump respond to the Gospel teachings? Let’s consider them:
Forgive those who harm you and turn the other cheek? NO WAY. HIT BACK HARD.
Forgive your enemies? NEVER. SAD. WEAK.
Avoid adultery and lusting after other women? SORRY, NOT FUN.
Render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar (taxes)? WHY???
Avoid greed and the pursuit of riches? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Don’t boast about charity for all to see? WHY GIVE IF YOU CAN’T BRAG?
Focus on your own faults and not those of others? NO. NO. NO. DOUBLE DOWN INSTEAD.
By his actions, Trump appears to have rejected these teachings. If Jesus were standing before him, I suspect Trump would call him a “loser” because Jesus was poor, didn’t get any pretty women, and was tortured and killed while his followers abandoned him. Trump orders the torture. He is not on the receiving end. GET REAL.
Trump is all about Old Testament revenge and lust for power. A strong, classy, billionaire with his finger on the button doesn’t have time to listen to what Jesus’ lame Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment… And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell…
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart…
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery…
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you…
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?..
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you…
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money…
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye…
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them…
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Well, some were amazed and impressed, but not Trump. He’s to rich and strong for that. Trump apparently knows, like so many other “Christians” know, that Jesus was a weakling. At most, Christ is a garment you put on from time to time to feel better or to wear in public to hide the stench of wealth and power – especially the power of the Dark Side that Trump and Lord Bannon wield so well.
#MAGA? (Make America Gospel-free Again?)
True Leader! give us a break. he is nominating people with out checking background checks, a lay who hates public schools, the head of exxon, who has a huge oil plant they cant operate because of sanction that they are talking about lifting. trump is rich fat cat. his dad staked him with a million $. when i left to to college in calif in 1967 my dad gave 100.00. trump has a record of not paying the working men by declairing bankrupsty numerous times.
@ kuroiwaj
KaBoom!
#MASA
Breaks his silence? He’s only been out of office for 10 days. Just goes to show, you can take the boy out of community organizing but you can’t take the community organizing out of the boy.
We miss him and we are so glad he chose to clarify things and counter Trump’s lies. I hope Obama, who is far more intelligent and moral than Trump, speaks out frequently. Many Republicans are now realizing that Trump is no conservative.
You and the unhinged left miss him. Don’t speak for us “Deplorables”.
OK, we’ll let you speak for yourself. Speak, boy! Speak!
“Arf! Arf! Ow-woooooo!”
Good or bad, his term is OVER. His thoughts are absolutely meaningless now, and just fuels the fire for all this anti-Trump b.s. It is what it is, and it’s time to move forward. Wanting to derail the train you’re on is just plain idiotic.
Please don’t include me in your “we”.
@ allie
Honeybuns
Please don’t say “we”…makes you a liar….say us libs would be more fitting.
allie, your statement is so off base. Ironically, was it Trump or Obama who said you can keep your plan. or you can keep your doctor, or Benghazi was caused by a video, or who drew the red line in the sand, to name a few? And you feel Obama is more moral? Tell that to the thousands who had family members executed by horrible means because we didn’t stop ISIS as they crossed the desert in a convoy (where there would be no collateral damage). The world was expecting us to take the lead and we did nothing. Iran is now violating the missile test agreement. And you make the judgement that Obama is more intelligent and moral? I realize that you’re repeating what the pundit say, and it definitely works to excite the Democratic troops, but I suggest that you stop and pause and give some thought to what you’re saying.
I considered the facts before politely speaking.
Praise the people for exercising their constitutional rights. OK… what’s your solution for keeping America safe? You had 8 years to lead us on that issue and it did not work. You chiming in will lead to anarchy not four more years of Obama
Shouldn’t the headline read: “Breaking Tradition, Obama First Ex-President to Publicly Criticize Next Administration” ???
Agree
Exactly. The clown prince should STFU.
Why should trump be given the benefit of that tradition when he, himself, continually breaks traditions? For example, releasing his tax returns.
Like obama has steadfastly refused to release his College Transcripts? Why so? Could it be that he would be shown to be the recipient of gratuitous Affirmative Action benefits, a la Elizabeth “Faux-cahontas” Warren?
There is no tradition of releasing college transcripts, but there is one for releasing tax returns, carang. Big difference.
You gotta’ love the photo the AP used for the story. If I didn’t know better I’d say the AP is trying to project the fantasy that Barry Hussein is still in office.
Barry is a Bitter Clinger desperate to remain relevant. Trump has been busy working during his first 10 days in office. Barry’s first 10 days in office were spent planning his apology tour, perfecting his bowing techniques and polishing his teleprompter.
Spot on Tita Girl. Barry came into office with the stereotypical progressive shame for being an American. As a result he never missed an opportunity to talk down the country that made him. At the end of his 8 year tenure he left racial division, a huge national debt, stagnant wages, job killing regulations, unaccountable government agencies, cultural rot and a lot of very wealthy 1%r’s
LOL! obama patted himself on the back, claiming that race relations actually improved under his tenure. How absurd! Only fawning lovestruck Liberals could buy that laughable assertion.
To all of you criticizing Obama speaking out on how our country is run: It is no different than YOU writing comments and expressing your views in the SA forum. Obama is a private AMERICAN citizen and has every right to express his views, just like you do.
Agree with btaim. When Trump was just a citizen like anybody else, he harassed Obama to show his birth certificate. Well now Obama should speak out and harass Trump to show his tax returns. Tit for tat!
Yes he does! He can write anytime he wants on this format. Just stay away from the National Press. Obama probably means well but its time to just say out of the way.t
And so does Madonna and Ashley Judd. Some times one feels necessary to speak out.
I noticed that as well. They are also using pictures of Trump with terrible expressions. But that doesn’t make them right.
@ btaim
Why don’t you try & hustle him to come here and spew. That would be something!
I find the statement, “But Obama’s designation related strictly to eligibility to enter the U.S. without a visa”, most revealing. With all the threats of terrorism, we were allowing Muslims into the country WITHOUT a Visa? That’s just great. Maybe politicians would agree to such a policy, but I don’t have a wall around my home with armed security guards, and a convoy of security and the ability to clear the public from my path wherever I go. If I did, I still would not allow Muslims without stringent screening because I would be concerned about those citizens without protection. In fact, the Constitution defines the role of the government is to protect the citizens. Wake up.
Obama should just keep his mouth shut and fade away, he has no clue on what he is saying. This is by no means a ban on religion or faith if it was there would be about forty other countries listed. Trump is just doing what Obama never had the b@#$s to do. This ban is only temporary until President Trump and his security team can clean up the mess that Obama and his cronies created. Obama is an extremely bitter person and very hurt from losing the election. Just like when he was in office Obama will continue to try and divide this country with all the propaganda that spews from his mouth. What is wrong with putting America and Americans first. The only President that should have been protested against should have been Obama but the republican party and its supporters were much more smarter and classier than that, they did it through the election process. It is enjoyable to watch the Democratic party destroy itself through all the hatred they have towards the Country.
President Obama had a goal of income redistribution within the country and to other countries, especially Iran. Valerie Jarret, born in Iran, seemed to be behind a lot of the Pro Iran actions, especially giving cash secretly to a country (without Congress approval) which supports terrorism against the West. Go figure.
Are you talking about the republican party that refused to cooperate in any way with obama and refused to do their jobs in considering obama’s nominee to the supreme court? Yeah, real classy!
Well, that didn’t take long.
Drumpf, like snake oil salesmen throughout the ages, tries to parlay half-truths and no-truths into gospel. And yet again he’s exposed for the fraud he is.
I’d love to see these two slug it out in the squared circle. It’d be like Justin Trudeau’s underdog bout against bully-boy political opponent Patrick Brazeau, q.v. — http://bit.ly/2kLLUVL
Short of that, keep those jabs coming in the media, Mr. Obama. We’re with you, brah!
2011: Obama temporarily bans Iraqis because terrorists are slipping in — nobody notices or complains until 2013 when ABC News was first to report it.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/al-qaeda-kentucky-us-dozens-terrorists-country-refugees/story?id=20931131
Obama would be better served cruising Kuhio ave. with Bobby!
hustling themselves? no customers I bet.
How inappropriate of a former President. Obama’s comments are nothing more than inflammatory rhetoric. A sad commentary on his legacy.
Really? And how much of what trump has been doing is “appropriate”???
BHH> what legacy are you referring to? I thought that he had nothing to leave as far as his legacy as a former has been POTUS. He is a good for nothing useless piece of cr*p. Bad person, his wife is no better, they both HATE America. Known fact.. Maybe Allie can disprove that last statement.
Trumpster on the forum are something else! A large portion of the posts are foaming at the mouth and wetting their pants lashing Obama because he spoke up about the immigration order. Exactly what Trump would do. He cannot stand criticism and so are his supporters like those in this forum. Trump and you supporters are going to be in for a long haul. If he messes up he’s going to be criticized so get use to it. He’s probably never been criticized so much. He’s going to be a nervous wreck if he last four years
Of course the polite disagreements voiced by others to these comments only reflects positively on the respectful attitudes of their authors. Your own mouth and pants assertions for example…
Young and inexperienced! Not enough years to acquire wisdom. After being number one it is difficult for a young man to return to a life without fan fare! Give the guy some slack it’s difficult for him to assimilate into the life of an average American!
It’s not only citizen Obama who is speaking out. A lot of republicans and CEO’ s are scattering from the idi-t because only fools would stay on a sinking ship. KABOOM!
Bush had the class to keep his opinions to himself during 8 long years of Incompetent “leadership”. Not this arrogant egomaniac. Not satisfied with his 8 year reign, The Incompetent One continues to divide this country after his broken policies have been rejected. He is more about continuing adulation and standing on a pedestal than actually accomplishing anything of real value to RIGHTFUL U.S. citizens.
It’s comical that you would call obama an egomaniac in need of adulation. After all, it’s trump who is so insecure about not having a bigger inauguration crowd that he kept talking about it, lying about it, and looking for pictures that might support his absurd claims. He then preens and shows off his signatures whenever he signs anything, as if he is a 5-year-old showing off his first signature. Of course, that is in keeping with his childish behavior.
Deviously incompetent, former President Obama demonstrates how narcissistic he is, thinking anyone really cares about his far Left views. We tolerated his nonsense for 8 long years, and the damage he did to America finally ended. Please fade away into golfing and keep a lid on it Mr. Obama.
What a low life Obama is….to speak against the incoming president, regardless of whether it’s direct or indirect. Show’s how classless he really is.
I never liked Trump ever since I was a teenager. He is insulting. I’m really upset about Trump disgracing the Hall of Heroes ain’t no surprise Mattis is standing there with a stupid grin on his face. I don’t know how you all stand behind Trump. I just don’t like the guy. Obama is right to speak out on this. I think I’m going to move out of country to pretend Trump ain’t my President.
Close the door when you leave! We Americans love our country and willing to take our chances we the newly elected President, come what may!
*with the newly….
Sir, please repair your broken silence.
This guy just won’t pack up and go away. He should be grateful that his fellow Kenyans are not affected by the ban.
Words from a person who treated our enemies better than our allies, illegals, criminals and terrorists better than Americans. One American is worth more than a thousand of them. We who served this country did so for Americans not for illegal aliens. Americans first!
Obama had his chance . . . . . now go away!
Barry can’t walk away. He likes the limelight too much. His fellow Dems should walk away from him. Under his watch, over a thousand dem seats in fed,state and local government was lost. If he continues to show up and hog the spotlight the dems will have problems showcasing their next new “star.”
IRT Tita Girl: Great observation. Notice nobody has an answer for the string of losses in the Democratic Party. In retrospect, I wonder how many Democrats who lost their jobs regret supporting the former President’s agenda. One glaring mistake was voting for a healthcare bill that they hadn’t read, didn’t understand, and believed from the administration all the parameters (keep your doctor, etc.), which, at the time, the administration knew were not true (ala Gruber’s “stupid public” comment). The current Dems in Congress, led by Sen. Schumer could be making a mistake by doubling down on their opposition to everything Trump proposes. Time will tell.
Shut up and play golf Obama.
You want to open your trap eh? Then go to your adopted hometown and condemn the genocide that blacks are committing on blacks. You did nothing in eight years for your people in Chicago.
Obama, in case you forgot, toy are no longer President.
“O”, The greatest false messiah the world has ever seen. Here to deceive humanity and prey upon your good faith. Many will believe and follow because it is in your good nature and some will recognize the danger. There is no other reason for him to speak other than to divide the people into war within.
Obama should walk softly around the Donald, or he may unseal Baroc’s collage transcripts just to see why he had them sealed in the first place!
Obama just can’t walk away. C’mon your stint is over. Enjoy your retirement $$$$$$.
You had your 8 years and the people rejected your agenda along with Hillary so sit down and shut up.