This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
On May 9, 2020, former US President Barack Obama publicly criticized the US response to the Covid-19 pandemic, marking a rare rebuke of his successor Donald Trump.
Speaking at two virtual commencements for high school and university students, Obama emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the pandemic has 'fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they're doing.'
He continued, 'A lot of them aren't even pretending to be in charge,' without naming any specific leaders.
Obama's comments came as the US leads the world in coronavirus cases and deaths, with over 1.4 million cases and nearly 90,000 deaths.
He also highlighted the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on black communities, saying, 'A disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country.'
Obama's remarks were carried by all major American television networks and featured performances by celebrities including Lebron James and the Jonas Brothers.
