Obama Criticizes LA Homelessness as 'Atrocity'

Former president says current approach is a 'losing political strategy'

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Former President Barack Obama criticized the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, calling it an 'atrocity' given the billions of dollars elected officials have spent on the problem. Obama said the average person doesn't want to have to navigate around tent cities, and that simply saying it's not the fault of those living on the streets and they should be able to do whatever they want is a 'losing political strategy'.

Why it matters

Obama's comments highlight the ongoing challenges and political tensions around addressing homelessness in major cities like Los Angeles, where the crisis has persisted despite significant government spending. His remarks suggest the need for a more balanced approach that balances compassion with accountability.

The details

In an interview with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama said the homelessness situation in LA is 'morally - ethically speaking - an atrocity' given the city's wealth. He said the average person doesn't want to have to navigate around tent cities, and that simply saying it's not the fault of those living on the streets and they should be able to do whatever they want is a 'losing political strategy'. Obama noted that building support for programs to assist the homeless needs to come with some level of accountability for those being offered help.

  • Obama made these comments in a recent interview with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen.

The players

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States who criticized the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles.

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California who has touted a 9% statewide drop in homelessness and announced new investments to create more shelters and services.

Karen Bass

The current Mayor of Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“I think it is morally — ethically speaking — it is an atrocity that in a country this wealthy, we have people just on the streets, and we should insist on policies that recognize their full humanity — people who are houseless — and be able to provide them with the help and resources that they need.”

— Barack Obama, Former President (1010wcsi.com)

“We're not going to be able to generate support for it if we simply say, you know what, it's not their fault and so they should be able to do whatever they want, because that's a losing political strategy.”

— Barack Obama, Former President (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have not yet responded to requests for comment on Obama's remarks.

The takeaway

Obama's criticism of the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles highlights the ongoing challenges and political tensions around addressing this complex issue. His comments suggest the need for a more balanced approach that combines compassion with accountability, in order to build broader public support for solutions.