Former U.S. President Barack Obama delivers his speech at the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., June 18, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Former President Barack Obama delivered pointed critiques of President Donald Trump during the opening ceremony of his presidential center in Chicago Thursday.
Obama gave a history lesson on America's founding ideals, saying, "In over more than two centuries, through petitions and protests ... men and women of all walks of life, from every color and every faith, every region, took up the cause of democracy until we, the people, came to include not just some of us, but all of us."
"And that's why the story we tell in this building begins not with Michelle's origins or my origins, but with our nation's."
In the wake of Trump ordering the Smithsonian and National Park Service to remove exhibits portraying America negatively, Obama reminded the audience of America's founding values.
"A declaration that we are all created equal, that we are all endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, that in the new independent United States, there will be no kings or lords, no serfs or subjects, but only citizens," Obama said.
"No one is above the law, or beneath its protection."
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