Trump calls for the immediate arrest of former President Barack Obama
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2026 — President Donald Trump has ignited a political firestorm by publicly calling for the immediate arrest of former President Barack Obama, escalating an already bitter feud between the two leaders and deepening divisions in U.S. politics.
In a series of posts on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused Obama of orchestrating criminal conduct tied to the 2016 presidential election. Trump’s statements center on claims — which are widely disputed and lack evidence — that Obama engaged in a “coup attempt” and treasonous behavior by allegedly trying to undermine Trump’s first campaign and presidency.
Trump also echoed allegations repeated by allies in his administration and political movement, asserting that Obama instructed intelligence agencies to fabricate false information connected to Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. According to some reports, Trump called for Obama’s immediate arrest under these claims, framing the issue as part of a broader effort to hold his political opponents accountable.
The president’s remarks come amid intense political polarization and renewed debates over accountability for past administrations. In addition to Obama, Trump and his supporters have targeted various former Obama-era officials with accusations of wrongdoing, though none of these claims have led to charges in court.
Critics and Legal Experts Sound Alarm
Trump’s call has drawn swift criticism from Democrats, constitutional scholars, and civil rights advocates who argue that the demand has no legal basis and undermines the rule of law. Under U.S. law, former presidents enjoy broad legal protections for acts carried out while in office, and mounting credible criminal charges against a predecessor would require an independent investigation and due process.
Many observers also view the move as part of a broader pattern of political attacks by Trump against Obama and other Democratic figures, a trend that has included repeated conspiracy-laden claims over the years, including the long-debunked “Obamagate” narrative that alleges improper actions by the Obama administration against Trump’s political interests.
Obama’s Response and Broader Reaction
Obama’s office has not yet issued a detailed statement confronting the latest allegations, though past responses have described similar claims as unfounded and politically motivated. Public commentary from Obama in recent days has focused on national issues such as civil liberties and governing priorities.
Republican reactions are mixed: while some of Trump’s allies have embraced the president’s rhetoric, others in Congress and the legal community have stopped short of endorsing the pursuit of criminal charges against a former head of state. Legal analysts note that any attempt to pursue such action would face extraordinary constitutional hurdles and could lead to protracted legal battles.
As the controversy unfolds, the call for Obama’s arrest continues to reverberate in a deeply divided political landscape, with significant implications for how power, accountability, and political rivalry are contested in modern American governance.