Former President Barack Obama responded after Donald Trump accused him of attempting to rig both the 2016 and 2020 elections. Trump made these claims during a press event in the Oval Office while sidestepping questions about Jeffrey Epstein’s death. Obama’s team dismissed the accusations as “a weak attempt at distraction,” suggesting the remarks were designed to divert attention from Trump’s controversies.
Obama’s spokesperson, Patrick Rodenbush, criticized the White House for spreading “constant nonsense and misinformation.” While noting they typically refrain from responding out of respect for the presidency, Rodenbush said these particular allegations were “so ludicrous that they deserve one.” The statement was unusually direct, underscoring the seriousness with which the former president’s office viewed Trump’s claims.
The statement also addressed Tulsi Gabbard’s recent report, in which she accused Obama-era officials of a “treasonous conspiracy.” Rodenbush dismissed Gabbard’s claims, reaffirming that there’s no credible evidence to challenge the established conclusion that Russia tried to influence the 2016 election but did not manipulate any votes.
Backing this, Rodenbush cited the 2020 bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report, led by then-Chairman Marco Rubio, which confirmed that while Russia interfered in the election process, it did not alter the outcome. This reinforced the mainstream consensus and countered Trump’s claims of election sabotage.
Trump’s remarks came during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He deflected from questions about Epstein and claimed, without evidence, that “Obama has been caught directly.” Trump accused Obama of treason and asserted that efforts were made to steal the election and interfere abroad—claims without substantiation.
Meanwhile, backlash grew after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi blocked the release of more Epstein files. Both MAGA supporters and Obama allies believe Trump’s explosive accusations were a calculated move to deflect attention from sensitive matters surrounding Epstein and his connections.