Former President Barack Obama has called for the defense of democratic values ​​and opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, warning Americans to be willing to “sacrifice” to defend freedom and social justice.

During a speech at Hamilton College in New York, Obama stressed that it is important for citizens and various institutions to stand strong in the face of Trump’s political agenda and ensure that democratic rights are protected.

“It’s been easy to say you’re a progressive or that you’re for social justice, but now you’re going to have to pay a price for that,” Obama said, emphasizing the need for commitment and sacrifice to preserve democratic values.

The former president expressed his concern about the Trump administration’s attempts to change the international order and undermine freedom of speech and the rule of law within the US.

Obama criticized Trump’s economic policies, especially the new tariffs, but also stressed his deeper concern about threats to universities that exercise the right to free speech. He referred to the Trump administration’s actions to withdraw federal funding from universities that support diversity and academic freedom, warning that students and schools must be willing to defend their values, even if it means losing federal funding.

“It’s up to all of us to fix this,” Obama said, encouraging citizens to say “No, this is not right” and take action to protect democracy and individual rights.