Obama blasts 'bizarre' Trump claim of 2016 election 'treason'

July 23, 2025

Donald Trump has accused former President Barack Obama of "treason," claiming he orchestrated a plot to undermine Trump's 2016 election victory by connecting him to alleged Russian interference. These accusations follow a recent report from US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard that characterized Obama's actions as a "years-long coup against President Trump," allegations that Democrats have dismissed as false. Obama's spokesman Patrick Rodenbush issued a rare response, calling Trump's claims "outrageous" and "a weak attempt at distraction.

Who is affected

Former President Barack Obama and his administration officials
President Donald Trump
US intelligence community
American voters and the public who receive conflicting information about election integrity
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (who was present during Trump's comments)

What action is being taken

Trump is publicly accusing Obama of treason at the White House
Obama's spokesman is issuing rare public responses to counter Trump's claims
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is threatening to refer Obama administration officials to the justice department for prosecution
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence is declassifying emails between Obama aides

Why it matters

The accusations represent an unprecedented claim of treason by a current president against a former president
The controversy reopens debates about Russian interference in the 2016 election
These allegations could impact public trust in democratic institutions and election integrity
The timing of Trump's comments coincides with pressure on his administration to release information about Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting potential political motivations
The conflict highlights deep political divisions at the highest levels of American government

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC