Obamas Respond To Shooting And Launch Scholarship

In a week marked by both tragedy and hope, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have found themselves at the center of two pivotal national conversations. On one front, they have spoken out forcefully about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a federal agent in Minneapolis, urging the country to confront what they describe as a growing assault on America’s core values. On the other, they have launched an ambitious scholarship program aimed at empowering the next generation of leaders—an initiative they hope will foster understanding, empathy, and positive change across the nation.

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on January 25, 2026, has sparked outrage and soul-searching across the United States. According to ABC News, federal agents were involved in the incident in Minneapolis, which resulted in Pretti’s death and has since become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over law enforcement tactics and federal intervention in local affairs. The Obamas, never ones to shy away from difficult conversations, released a statement the following day, calling the shooting a "wake-up call to every American" about the precarious state of the nation’s foundational principles.

In their statement, the former president and first lady did not mince words. They acknowledged the difficult work faced by federal law enforcement and immigration agents but emphasized the importance of accountability and collaboration with local officials. "Federal law enforcement and immigration agents have a tough job. But Americans expect them to carry out their duties in a lawful, accountable way, and work with, rather than against, state and local officials to ensure public safety," they wrote, as reported by ABC News. The Obamas argued that what is happening in Minneapolis stands in stark contrast to those expectations. "That's not what we're seeing in Minnesota. In fact, we're seeing the opposite," they added.

Their concerns extended beyond the single incident, pointing to a broader pattern of behavior by federal agents that they believe is eroding public trust. "People across the country have been rightly outraged by the spectacle of masked ICE recruits and other federal agents acting with impunity and engaging in tactics that seem designed to intimidate, harass, provoke and endanger residents of a major American City," the statement continued. The Obamas highlighted that such "unprecedented tactics" have not only shocked the conscience of the nation but have also resulted in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens—Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

Perhaps most pointedly, the Obamas placed responsibility for the escalation of tensions squarely at the feet of the Trump administration. They accused officials of offering explanations for the shootings that lack the rigor of serious investigation and, in their view, are contradicted by available video evidence. "These unprecedented tactics -- which even the former top lawyer of the Department of Homeland Security in the first Trump administration has characterized as embarrassing, lawless and cruel -- have now resulted in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens," they said. In a direct appeal, they urged the administration to change course: "This has to stop. I would hope that after the most recent tragedy, administration officials will reconsider their approach, and start finding ways to work constructively with Governor Walz and Mayor Frey as well as state and local police to avert more chaos and achieve legitimate law enforcement goals."

While the Obamas’ statement has resonated with many who are calling for reform, it has also drawn criticism from those who argue that federal agents face unique dangers and must be empowered to act decisively. Supporters of the administration contend that the agents’ actions are necessary to maintain order and that local officials have not done enough to address rising crime. As the investigation into the shootings continues, the debate over federal intervention versus local autonomy is likely to intensify, with both sides insisting that their approach best serves public safety and justice.

Against this backdrop of unrest and division, Barack and Michelle Obama are also channeling their energies into nurturing hope for the future. On January 29, 2026, they announced the launch of the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship program in partnership with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, aiming to invest in young people who are eager to make a positive impact on the world. As detailed by the Obama Foundation and reported by multiple outlets, the scholarship targets second-year undergraduate students and community college transfer students entering their junior year in the fall of 2026.

At its core, the Voyager Scholarship is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program designed to provide participants with real-world experiences rooted in "understanding, empathy, and cooperation." The program offers substantial financial support—up to $50,000 for students’ junior and senior years, a $10,000 stipend, and free Airbnb housing for work-related travel during the summer between those years. The aim, according to the scholarship’s website, is to support "young people from every corner of this country who share a curiosity about the world and the conviction to want to make positive change within it."

But the benefits go beyond financial aid. Students selected for the program will have access to a network of leaders and mentors and will be encouraged to engage in global travel to broaden their perspectives and build valuable skills. The summer voyage is a unique feature, allowing each participant to curate their own experience—whether that’s serving a new community, gaining hands-on knowledge in a chosen field, or simply learning from different cultures. There’s also an optional in-person convening, where students can connect with one another and with leaders in public service for expanded learning opportunities.

The long-term vision for the Voyager Scholarship is just as ambitious. Upon graduation, alumni will join the Obama Foundation’s global community and receive a $2,000 Airbnb travel credit each year for the next decade, helping them continue to explore and serve communities around the world. Applications for the scholarship are open until March 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time, giving students across the nation a chance to apply and become part of this new wave of changemakers.

"We are looking for young people from every corner of this country who share a curiosity about the world and the conviction to want to make positive change within it—just like the scholarship’s founders. Students should have a passion for helping others, experience serving in or building community, and an expansive view of what’s possible through public service," reads a statement on the program’s website.

For the Obamas, the juxtaposition of these two stories—the urgent call for justice in Minneapolis and the hopeful launch of a new scholarship—reflects both the challenges and the possibilities facing America today. Their response to tragedy and their investment in the future serve as a reminder that while the nation grapples with difficult questions about justice, leadership, and the rule of law, there remains a steadfast belief in the power of individuals to make a difference, one life and one community at a time.