Former President Barack Obama issued a rare public response after President Donald Trump accused him of committing treason over alleged interference in the 2016 election. The accusations stem from a report by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who claimed Obama and his administration orchestrated a “treasonous conspiracy” to undermine Trump’s victory. Trump amplified these claims during a press conference, asserting Obama was the “leader of the gang” and guilty of rigging the election, though he provided no evidence.

Obama’s spokesperson, Patrick Rodenbush, dismissed the allegations as “bizarre” and a “weak attempt at distraction,” emphasizing that the claims were unfounded. He cited the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee’s 2020 report, which concluded that Russia interfered in the election but did not manipulate votes. The report also found that the Trump campaign embraced and exploited Russia’s efforts.

Critics argue Trump’s renewed focus on Obama is a tactic to divert attention from controversies surrounding the Epstein files and other political pressures. Gabbard, meanwhile, has threatened criminal referrals and claims more documents will be released. Legal experts say the treason accusations lack merit, as the constitutional definition requires aiding enemies or waging war—standards not met by the claims against Obama.