‘Old men afraid of death’: Obama’s veiled jab at Trump

**‘Old Men Afraid of Death’: Obama’s Veiled Jab at Donald Trump**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 03:20 PM*

Former United States President Barack Obama recently made remarks that many interpreted as a subtle criticism of his successor, Donald Trump. Speaking to British historian David Olusoga in London, Obama stated, “It’s fair to say that 80% of the world’s problems involve old men hanging on who are afraid of death and insignificance.” He elaborated that such men build “pyramids” and put their names on everything out of anxiety.

### A Subtle Reference to Trump’s Age

Obama’s comments come just a month after 77-year-old Donald Trump defended his controversial decision to deploy National Guard troops in Washington, DC. Trump justified the deployment by citing the need to address what he described as an explosion of violent crime.

These remarks also resonate with Obama’s previous criticisms of aging political leaders. In 2019, Obama pointed out that older leaders often fail to step aside for younger generations, highlighting generational tensions in leadership.

### Criticism Over Public Health Statements

During the same London event, Obama took aim at Trump for making unfounded claims linking the painkiller Tylenol to autism in infants. He condemned such statements as “violence against the truth,” warning that they could undermine public health efforts and potentially harm pregnant women.

Trump’s comments on Tylenol drew widespread backlash. The UK Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, publicly advised women to ignore these claims.

### The Political Tug of War

Obama also reflected on the current political landscape in America, describing it as a “tug of war” between two competing visions for the country’s future.

He explained that while progressives seek change through democratic means, populists like Trump aim to revert to an older, more traditional worldview. Obama further criticized progressives for being “complacent” and “smug” in past decades, acknowledging that their values are now being tested in these challenging times.

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Barack Obama’s recent remarks highlight the ongoing generational and ideological battles shaping the American political arena, with pointed references that many have connected directly to Donald Trump’s leadership style and rhetoric.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/obama-mocks-old-men-clinging-to-power/story