In an unusual move, former President Barack Obama has issued a public response to President Donald Trump’s recent claim that Obama committed treason in connection with the 2016 U.S. election.
Trump, now 79, has frequently targeted political rivals with sweeping accusations. This time, he alleged—without presenting evidence—that Obama and his administration tried to “steal” the 2016 election by manipulating intelligence on Russian interference.
Speaking from the Oval Office on July 22, Trump said, “It’s there, he’s guilty. This was treason. They tried to steal the election.” His comments referenced long-standing conspiracy theories about the Obama administration’s role in the Russia investigation, which U.S. intelligence agencies have repeatedly addressed.
The claim follows recent remarks from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who described the 2016 investigation as part of a “treasonous conspiracy” and indicated that she would seek DOJ action against several former Obama-era officials.
Russia, which was accused of attempting to interfere in the 2016 election, continues to deny any involvement. U.S. agencies have maintained that while Russian actors sought to influence the election, there was no evidence that vote tallies were altered.
