Edith Hejberg
President Donald Trump reignited controversy by accusing Barack Obama of committing “treason”
Donald Trump has recently accused former president Barack Obama of treason
Trump Levels Explosive ‘Treason’ Accusation at Obama
President Donald Trump reignited controversy by accusing Barack Obama of committing “treason” in relation to the 2016 presidential election.
Speaking from the White House, Trump alleged that Obama orchestrated a plan to sabotage his presidency by linking him to Russian interference.
Obama’s Office Delivers Rare Public Rebuke
In response, a spokesperson for Obama called Trump’s claims “bizarre” and “a weak attempt at distraction.” Normally silent on Trump’s rhetoric,
Obama’s team felt compelled to address what they described as a baseless and outrageous attack.
Claims Stem from Declassified Intelligence Report
Trump cited a recent report declassified by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, backed by Tulsi Gabbard.
The document suggests Obama officials may have downplayed intelligence that Russia failed to alter the election outcome, claims Democrats have flatly rejected as inaccurate.
Gabbard Alleges Longstanding Conspiracy
Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard characterized the Obama administration’s actions as a “years-long coup” against Trump. She even hinted at seeking legal action, saying she may refer Obama-era officials to the Justice Department for prosecution.
Obama Briefing Said Russia Didn’t Affect Vote Count
A key document from December 2016, prepared for Obama by intelligence chiefs, stated there was no evidence Russia successfully manipulated U.S. election infrastructure.
However, the FBI initially disagreed with that assessment, prompting further meetings and internal emails.
Trump: “Obama Got Caught Cold”
During a press conference originally centered on pressure to release more details about Jeffrey Epstein,Trump pivoted to Obama. “It’s time to go after people,” he declared. “Obama’s been caught directly. He’s guilty. This was treason.”
Broader Intelligence Consensus Paints Nuanced Picture
The U.S. intelligence community’s 2017 assessment concluded that Russia aimed to damage Hillary Clinton’s campaign and bolster Trump. While acknowledging Russian interference efforts, such as social media bots and email hacks—it said the actual impact on vote totals was likely minimal.
Senate Report Confirms Russian Intent to Help Trump
In 2020, a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report echoed those findings, affirming that Russia actively sought to assist Trump’s campaign. The report was co-signed by several Republicans, including Senator Marco Rubio, then the committee’s acting chair.
Mueller and Durham Reports Add to the Complexity
Robert Mueller’s investigation found no evidence that Trump’s campaign coordinated with Russia.
However, a later special counsel review led by John Durham criticized the FBI’s original probe, calling it poorly substantiated and lacking analytical rigor.
Political Drama Overshadows Serious National Security Concerns
While Trump’s fiery rhetoric grabbed headlines, Obama’s team and intelligence experts urged focus on the broader issue: safeguarding elections.
Obama’s spokesperson reminded the public that despite political theater, Russia did attempt to interfere in U.S. democracy, even if it failed to sway the vote.
