Former President Barack Obama has issued a rare public response to claims made by President Trump accusing him of “treason” and orchestrating a “coup” following the 2016 election. The unusual statement, delivered through a spokesperson, called the allegations “outrageous,” “bizarre,” and “a weak attempt at distraction”
Trump, citing newly declassified documents from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has accused Obama, along with other top officials like James Comey and Joe Biden, of leading a politically motivated conspiracy to undermine his presidency. He declared from the Oval Office that Obama is “guilty… treason… highest level”
The claims include allegations that intelligence was fabricated to make it seem Russia favored Trump, constituting treasonous behavior—a claim widely disputed
Obama’s office countered, referencing bipartisan investigations—including the 2020 Senate Intelligence Committee and the Mueller probe—that confirmed Russian interference did occur, but without altering vote counts. The statement also emphasized that Gabbard’s documents mischaracterize intelligence findings, conflating unrelated issues to support a political narrative
Critics warn that Trump’s allegations risk further polarizing the political climate while distracting from mounting scrutiny over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files .
Meanwhile, former CIA counter‑intelligence chief Susan Miller blasted Gabbard’s claims, calling them lacking credibility and warning of a politicization of intelligence .
Legal analysts have also questioned the viability of any prosecution, citing constitutional limits—including presidential immunity—and the absence of concrete evidence. As the controversy intensifies, Obama remains uncharacteristically vocal in his defense—issuing one of his few post‑presidential statements in recent years—to strongly rebuke what he sees as baseless, politically motivated attacks.
