In the ever-evolving world of political discourse, former President Donald Trump has once again ignited a firestorm of controversy with his latest conspiracy theory. This time, he suggests that former President Barack Obama is secretly still in control of the White House, pulling the strings behind the scenes of the Biden administration.
A History of Conspiracies
Donald Trump's political trajectory has been punctuated by a series of conspiracy theories, many of which have targeted Barack Obama. From championing the baseless birther movement, which questioned Obama's birthplace, to accusing the former president of "wiretapping" Trump Tower, Trump's allegations have often bordered on the bizarre. His latest claim, made during a campaign stop in New Hampshire, is no exception. "It's never been worse than it is now under crooked Joe Biden and, frankly, his boss, Barack Hussein Obama. I think it's his boss," Trump declared.
This isn't the first time Trump has insinuated that someone else is secretly in charge of the Biden administration. He has previously alluded to the idea that Biden is "not capable of making decisions" and hinted at other shadowy decision-makers operating behind the scenes. However, this recent assertion explicitly pointing to Obama as the puppet master is a new twist in Trump's narrative.
Barack Obama criticized Donald Trump for his actions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conservative Echoes
While Trump's claims might seem outlandish to many, he's not alone in his beliefs. Prominent conservative figures, including Megyn Kelly and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, have echoed similar sentiments. Kelly recently mentioned on-air that "there are a lot of people who think the Obamas are already running the government," suggesting a "shadow puppet situation." Gingrich, on the other hand, expressed a "hunch" that Obama is secretly "making decisions in the White House."
These conspiracy theories have been further fueled by comments from other Republicans. For instance, Rep. Greg Murphy of North Carolina has suggested that Biden is merely a "puppet" for a progressive committee headed by Obama. Similarly, Fox Business' Maria Bartiromo hinted at Obama being the "de facto leader in the White House," a sentiment that was not refuted by Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee during the same segment.
Debunking the Myth
Despite the growing chorus of voices supporting this conspiracy theory, there's no concrete evidence to back it up. The notion seems to be rooted in concerns about Biden's age and capabilities. However, the White House has consistently dismissed such claims. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized Biden's wisdom and experience, highlighting his historic actions and legislative achievements.
Furthermore, Obama's post-presidential life has been far from the political limelight. He has ventured into podcasting, Netflix production, and even nature documentary narration. The few public appearances he has made alongside Biden since the latter's inauguration hardly point to a covert leadership role.
In an era where misinformation can spread like wildfire, it's crucial to approach such conspiracy theories with a healthy dose of skepticism. While Trump's claims about Obama's secret control over the White House make for sensational headlines, they lack substantive evidence. As the political landscape continues to shift and evolve, it remains to be seen how such narratives will shape public perception and discourse.
