Former President Barack Obama made a subtle dig at President Donald Trump and playfully suggested he could return to politics as an ambassador to aliens during an interview with Stephen Colbert. Speaking from his soon-to-open presidential center in Chicago, Obama took several veiled swipes at Trump while touting his diplomatic skills.
Obama's Alien Ambition
When asked about extraterrestrial life, Obama said, 'I think I would be a good emissary for the planet. I've got some experience in statecraft, diplomacy. I'm friendly. So I actually think I can do a pretty good job.' He added that if aliens exist, the government 'is terrible at keeping secrets' and would likely be exposed by a security guard taking a selfie.
Colbert's Presidential Musings
Colbert mentioned that people tell him he should run for president. Obama quipped that Colbert has 'the look' and 'the hair' but Colbert called it 'a stupid idea.' Obama joked, 'Well, you know... the bar has changed,' drawing cheers from the audience. When Colbert suggested the bar had gone 'subterranean,' Obama replied, 'I think that you could perform significantly better than some folks that we've seen.' Colbert asked if that was an endorsement; Obama deadpanned, 'It is not.'
Criticism of Trump
Without naming Trump, Obama criticized presidential powers. He argued the White House shouldn't direct the attorney general to prosecute political enemies, calling the AG 'the people's lawyer, not the president's consigliere.' He also said the pardon power shouldn't apply to campaign donors or business investors. Obama added that Trump politicized the military and broke norms. 'A good policy would be that the president shouldn't have a bunch of side hustles,' he said, referencing Trump's sneaker sales.
Democratic Party Reflections
Obama praised socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as 'an extraordinary talent' but criticized the left for failing to 'talk like normal people talk.' He urged Democrats to 'talk plain English to folks, no gobbledygook.' He also lamented the GOP's shift away from rule of law and science, saying the current party 'constantly taps into our worst impulses.'
The Obama Presidential Center
Colbert toured the controversial $850 million Obama Presidential Center, set to open June 19. Originally estimated at $300 million, the cost ballooned due to rising construction costs and ambitious design. Obama pushed for scale, telling architects to 'up our ante,' leading to a 225-foot granite tower nicknamed 'Obamalisk.' Architect Tod Williams said Obama's insistence on boldness was challenging but moved the project forward.
The center sits in Jackson Park, a historic landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Critics call it a 'monstrosity' and 'concrete tomb,' while supporters see it as an immersive civic space. Concerns about gentrification and displacement have also arisen. Inside, features include a teaching kitchen, recording studios, and a 'Democracy in Action Lab.'
Fundraising has surpassed $1 billion, despite scrutiny over executive salaries. Valerie Jarrett earned $740,000 last year. The center's exterior features an excerpt from Obama's 2015 Selma speech, which some critics say is hard to read.
