Column: Clinton, Bush, Obama and Biden, please speak out against Trump - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Jackie Calmes

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article calls out former presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and others for their silence in confronting Donald Trump’s norm-breaking behavior while in office or since leaving the White House. The piece highlights how these leaders, bound by a devotion to political decorum, have avoided directly challenging Trump despite his flagrant disregard for democratic norms. Bush, for instance, subtly criticized Trump through an essay praising George Washington’s qualities that Trump lacks—humility, integrity, and respect for institutions—but stopped short of naming the current president. Similarly, Obama condemned Trump’s racist comments about him and Michelle Obama but did so ambiguously, avoiding direct mention of Trump’s name. Biden, though not addressed in the article, is part of a broader discussion about whether active-duty leaders should speak out against a president they disagree with. The piece also delves into the military dimension, noting how Trump has repeatedly pressured troops to align politically, violating the tradition of nonpartisanship established by George Washington. While active-duty officers face constraints in speaking out due to their chain of command and fear of repercussions, retired generals and admirals have remained mostly silent as well. The article underscores why this matters: the erosion of political norms and military neutrality poses a significant threat to democracy. By failing to uphold these standards, leaders leave room for further corrosion of democratic institutions under a president who has already pushed boundaries in ways unprecedented in modern American history.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/19/2026