Overview
- In a New Yorker profile published Monday, Barack Obama said he avoids becoming a frequent commentator because constant attacks on President Donald Trump would blunt his influence as a political leader.
- Obama said sustained pressure to stay active in politics has created "genuine tension" at home, noting Michelle Obama wants him to ease up and spend more time with her.
- He described a targeted approach to politics, backing redistricting drives that reshape congressional maps, including a Virginia ballot measure that passed in April and support for similar efforts in California.
- Close aide Ben Rhodes said Obama has spent "hundreds and hundreds of hours" studying artificial intelligence, and Obama said he plans to outline an AI agenda for lawmakers and researchers.
- Obama said he shrugs off most of Trump's online shots but is offended when his family is targeted, and aides described him as privately frustrated that he cannot do more against the sitting president.