In a startling escalation of political rhetoric, former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly accused former President Barack Obama of committing treason in relation to the 2016 U.S. election. During a joint press conference with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 22, 2025, Trump claimed that Obama orchestrated a scheme to falsely tie his 2016 campaign to Russian interference. He called it a “coup attempt” and demanded legal consequences, stating bluntly, “It’s time to go after people.” Trump’s statements followed the release of declassified intelligence documents by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, which he claims prove Obama’s involvement in efforts to sabotage his candidacy.
Trump provided no concrete evidence to support his claims. While the newly declassified documents have reignited interest in how intelligence was handled during the 2016 election cycle, they do not explicitly link Obama to any criminal behavior or wrongdoing. Previous investigations, including a comprehensive 2020 Senate Intelligence Committee report chaired by Republican Senator Marco Rubio, found that Russia did interfere in the 2016 election, primarily to benefit Trump, but found no evidence of direct political weaponization of intelligence by Obama or his administration.
Observers and political analysts have noted the timing of Trump’s renewed attacks, pointing out that they come amid growing pressure over his administration’s handling of sealed documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein and alleged associates. Critics argue that Trump’s accusations against Obama are a calculated attempt to shift attention and re-energize his political base by tapping into long-standing grievances about the Russia investigation. Several Democratic leaders dismissed the remarks as a “dangerous distraction,” while some Republican lawmakers expressed unease over the lack of substantiation.
The accusations have further deepened political divisions in the U.S., with supporters of Trump echoing calls for investigations, while others warn that such claims erode trust in American institutions. Barack Obama has not issued a public response, but close allies described the remarks as “absurd” and “irresponsible.” As Trump continues his 2024 re-election campaign, his decision to revive old controversies—especially with such charged language—signals a willingness to wage a highly confrontational and polarizing political battle.
