As Donald Trump faces mounting legal peril and renewed public scrutiny over his past associations, a familiar and incendiary claim has resurfaced in MAGA circles: Barack Obama committed treason.
It’s a statement designed to shock, inflame, and dominate headlines. But like many bombastic accusations in Trump’s orbit, it appears less concerned with facts – and more focused on deflection.
At the centre of this latest political firestorm is a July 18 declassified report released by Tulsi Gabbard, now serving as Director of National Intelligence in the Trump administration. In it, Gabbard accuses Obama and other officials of orchestrating a “treasonous conspiracy” during the 2016 election by allegedly manipulating intelligence to suggest Russian interference. Gabbard pledged to submit documents to the Justice Department for investigation and “potential prosecution.”
The reaction was swift. Democratic Rep. Jim Himes called the allegations “baseless” and accused Gabbard of rehashing discredited claims for political gain. Legal scholars would note that the U.S. Constitution defines treason narrowly: “levying war” against the United States or giving “aid and comfort” to its enemies. No evidence has been presented that even remotely meets this threshold.
And yet, social media feeds lit up. “Obama Referred to DOJ for Treason” became the narrative in certain corners of the far right media. But is it true?
No, Obama Has Not Been Referred to the DOJ for Treason
Let’s be clear: despite the online hysteria, no formal referral or charge of treason exists against former President Barack Obama. There are no indictments, no ongoing prosecutions, and no credible legal case under review.
What has occurred is this: Tulsi Gabbard made a political referral. This is not a legal action. Any U.S. citizen can submit materials to the DOJ. It does not trigger a criminal investigation, and it certainly doesn’t mean the DOJ agrees with or endorses the claims.
This is political theatre dressed up as legal drama – and the timing is telling.
The Timing Tells the Story
The resurrection of anti-Obama conspiracies comes as Donald Trump is beset by serious legal and reputational problems:
- The resurfacing of a 2003 letter Trump allegedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein has prompted threats of legal action and renewed scrutiny of his long-denied relationship with the late financier.
- Trump remains entangled in multiple criminal indictments, ranging from election interference to mishandling classified documents.
- And quiet murmurs are growing within GOP circles about Trump’s political viability heading into 2026.
In that context, throwing Obama into the headlines once again starts to look less like revelation – and more like strategy.
The “Deflect and Distract” Playbook
Trump has long followed a simple, brutal political strategy when cornered: attack someone else – loudly, repeatedly, and dramatically.
When Trump was impeached, his allies launched new attacks on Hunter Biden (remember his laptop?)
When accused of sexual assault, they pushed conspiracies about Hillary Clinton (pizzagate).
When indicted, they screamed about the “Biden Crime Family.”
Now, with Epstein back in the headlines and his legal exposure increasing, Trump’s political machine is once again turning its fire on a familiar villain: Barack Obama.
Calling a former president a traitor – a charge punishable by death under U.S. law – is not just absurd, it’s reckless. But for the MAGA movement, it’s effective. It stirs the base, muddies the water, and reorients the conversation.
Does “treason” work?
Weaponising the word treason isn’t just misleading. It’s dangerous.
First, it blurs the line between political opposition and criminal betrayal. If a former president can be casually accused of treason, so can judges, journalists, and everyday citizens who dissent.
Second, it escalates political tensions. Treason isn’t just a crime – it’s a moral provocation. Throwing the term around recklessly only fuels division, fear, and potential violence.
Third, it distracts from the real legal jeopardy Trump faces. With so many legitimate investigations underway, shifting focus to Obama is a calculated effort to create false equivalence and portray accountability as political persecution.
It’s the rhetorical equivalent of yelling “Fire!” in a crowded theatre.
The Bigger Picture
Donald Trump’s survival – both politically and legally – has always depended on one thing: controlling the narrative. That means sowing chaos, creating enemies, and distracting from the reality of his own actions.
The Obama “treason” story is just the latest diversion. It may trend for a news cycle, flood X and Truth Social, and energise the base, but it does nothing to change the facts facing Trump.
If anything, it shows just how desperate things are getting inside the MAGA war room. When the legal walls close in, their instinct is not to reflect – but to retaliate.
That’s not leadership. It’s panic, wrapped in propaganda.
Also by Michael Taylor:
Dear reader, we need your support
Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.
One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.
With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.
Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
Who could trust a pervert, liar, crook, thief, traitor, double crosser, bully, coward, reeking turd? Trump is a disgrace to USA life and a threat to all, by his position. Where are the true patriots now? Why is this curse and pox among us, still?
All this shows is how bloody desperate The Trumpster, and by association, his crawling sycophants are to run with Lookoverthereism to distract (and doing a very bad job of it to boot) from Epsteinitis. Pathetic!
Astute summary Michael.
Watching The Donald is like watching a slow motion tsunami. At the moment the water is starting to roll back from the beach and is building strength. When it finally makes landfall…oh boy…