Former President Barack Obama warned in a televised interview that American democracy is at risk when the Justice Department and other institutions are used for political purposes.

Speaking on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” he said the greatest danger is not policy disagreements but the politicization of law enforcement and the use of government power against political opponents.

Obama argued that the Justice Department should remain independent from the White House and that presidents should not direct prosecutions for personal or political gain.

He also raised concerns about presidential pardons, military neutrality, and broader norms that he believes need to be strengthened or formally codified, CBS News has reported.

The remarks come as he continues to speak publicly ahead of the opening of his presidential center in Chicago and amid ongoing tensions between past and current administrations.