Barack Obama has been vocal in his criticisms of Donald Trump’s second presidency, focusing on issues like threats to democracy, the misuse of military forces against citizens, and policies that he believes deepen national divisions. While Obama has not publicly expressed personal frustration over Trump “obliterating” his legacy in explicit terms, his statements suggest concern over the reversal or neglect of progressive policies from his era. For instance, in recent interviews and speeches, Obama has emphasized the importance of unity and reminded Americans of shared values, contrasting this with what he sees as Trump’s divisive approach. This comes amid Trump’s administration navigating challenges like government shutdown threats, where policy decisions could impact long-standing programs.

One key area of contention is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), often called Obamacare, which was a signature achievement of Obama’s presidency. The enhanced premium tax credits, expanded under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act, are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts to extend them. These subsidies have helped lower costs for millions purchasing insurance through ACA marketplaces, contributing to record enrollment of over 24 million people in 2025. However, estimates indicate that if the enhancements lapse, average premiums could more than double for many enrollees, potentially leading about 4 million to lose coverage and become uninsured, according to the Congressional Budget Office. While around 22 million Americans currently benefit from these boosted subsidies, most would revert to the original ACA subsidy levels, which are less generous but still provide some assistance based on income.

Critics argue that the ACA’s reliance on subsidies highlights structural vulnerabilities, suggesting it requires ongoing government intervention to remain viable, while supporters point out that such mechanisms were designed to make healthcare accessible and that expiration could exacerbate inequality. The current debate, tied to budget negotiations and a potential shutdown, reflects broader partisan divides on healthcare reform. Obama has not directly commented on the subsidy expiration in recent public statements, but his past advocacy for the ACA underscores its role in expanding coverage. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on congressional action, illustrating how policy legacies evolve across administrations without necessarily proving inherent failure or success.