"Former President Barack Obama hailed resistance to partisan pressure inside the military and Justice Department on Monday night as he warned that the nation's institutions under the Trump administration were more unstable than at other stage in his lifetime. Speaking in Arkansas at the launch of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art's new Building Bridges lecture series, the conversation, hosted by Crystal Bridges board chair Olivia Walton, toggled between music, leadership, and the state of the nation."
"I would not expect the politicization of the Justice Department or our military, he said, before continuing: And I don't think that's happened [because] I think there's been resistance, particularly in the military, to that, but the degree to which that has been encouraged, you know, that used to be something that I would lecture other countries not to do."
"He added, pointedly: You don't have your military involved in partisan politics, its loyalty is to the Constitution. The event doubled as a showcase for Obama's leadership pipeline, with the former president touting the Obama Presidential Center opening in 2026 and ongoing efforts to train young civic leaders. I am hopeful as long as young people don't succumb to cynicism or despair, he told the audience. Watch above via YouTube."
Resistance to partisan pressure within the military and Justice Department helped preserve institutional norms during a period of heightened instability under the Trump administration. Questions arose about the legitimacy of an election and the peaceful transfer of power, contrasting with historical expectations of electoral stability. The politicization of the Justice Department and military was noted as an unexpected development, though internal resistance limited deeper politicization. Emphasis on military loyalty to the Constitution underscored separation between armed forces and partisan politics. Plans for an Obama Presidential Center opening in 2026 and programs to train young civic leaders aim to bolster civic engagement and counter cynicism among youth.
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