After years of silence, former President Barack Obama has publicly responded to Donald Trump’s latest accusations that he attempted to rig the 2016 and 2020 elections. In a rare statement, Obama’s office called Trump’s claims “a weak attempt at distraction.”

“Out of respect for the office of the presidency, we don’t typically respond to the constant misinformation from this White House,” said Obama spokesperson Patrick Rodenbush. “But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one.”

The statement also rejected an 11-page report by Tulsi Gabbard, which accused members of the Obama administration of engaging in a “treasonous conspiracy.” Rodenbush reaffirmed that intelligence reports—including a 2020 bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee review led by Sen. Marco Rubio—concluded that while Russia did attempt to influence the 2016 election, it did not manipulate any votes.

Trump made his remarks on July 22 during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. While deflecting questions about the late Jeffrey Epstein, Trump shifted focus to Obama, stating: “They caught President Obama absolutely cold… He’s guilty. This was treason.”

Even some Trump supporters view the accusations as a diversion tactic. Speculation grew after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to release further Epstein-related documents, claiming no client list exists. The move has fueled suspicion and frustration among conservatives, with the Epstein case becoming a hot topic at Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit.

While political tensions escalate, critics on both sides agree: the narrative may be less about truth and more about distraction.