Obama, speaking at Hamilton College, expressed concern over both the economic implications and the broader tone of Trump’s administration. Calling the tariff policy harmful, he questioned the legality and ethics of tactics used by the White House, such as allegedly threatening universities and law firms.

“Imagine if I had done any of this?” he asked pointedly. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also blasted the tariff move as erratic and risky, especially amid signs of Chinese retaliation—Beijing announced its own 34% tariff on all U.S. imports. The Chinese government condemned the U.S. action as “unilateral bullying,” warning it could destabilize global trade.