Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday called for the prosecution of Barack Obama, accusing his predecessor of treason over a recently published intelligence report that alleges Obama-era officials fabricated information about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Speaking at a press conference at the White House alongside Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Trump claimed the report proves the Obama administration orchestrated a conspiracy to undermine his presidency.
“Based on what I read, and I read pretty much what you read, it would be President Obama. He started it,” Trump said.
“Obama’s been caught directly. He’s guilty. This was treason. This was every word you can think of.”
Trump also named then-Vice President Joe Biden, former FBI Director James Comey, and ex-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper as part of the alleged operation. But he insisted Obama led what he called a “gang,” accusing him of personally initiating the effort.
The claims stem from a report published Friday, which alleges intelligence was manipulated to frame Trump as complicit in Russian election meddling. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, appointed under Trump’s second-term leadership, has since referred the matter to the Justice Department, labeling the alleged actions a “treasonous conspiracy.”
Gabbard argued Obama administration officials deliberately manufactured intelligence linking Trump to Russian actors in order to justify a prolonged campaign to destabilize his presidency.
“The witch hunt that you should be talking about is they caught President Obama absolutely cold,” Trump told reporters.
Obama, who has largely remained silent on Trump’s frequent accusations, responded through his spokesperson, Patrick Rodenbush.
“Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response,” Rodenbush said.
“But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one. These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.”
The U.S. intelligence community issued a formal assessment in January 2017 concluding that Russia had attempted to interfere in the 2016 election by damaging Hillary Clinton’s campaign and supporting Trump.
Officials cited Russian bot activity and hacking of Democratic emails but ultimately stated the interference had limited impact and did not alter the final outcome of the vote.
