Former President Donald Trump sparked controversy during a rally in South Carolina on Saturday, February 10, alleging that former President Barack Obama is secretly calling the shots in the White House.
Addressing supporters in Conway, South Carolina, Trump expressed skepticism about President Joe Biden's mental competence, suggesting he "can't find his way off the stage."
Excellent closing piece to tonight's rally.
'Obama is running the show behind the scenes.'pic.twitter.com/gTAwoTbMVm
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) February 11, 2024
Trump then went on to assert that Obama is effectively running the country through his former vice president.
During his speech, Trump emphasized Obama's middle name, "Hussein," eliciting reactions from his supporters in the crowd.
He stated, "I don't think he knows what the hell he's doing anyways. I always say by the people who surround him, or sometimes I'll interchange, I'll say, Barack Hussein Obama. But every time I say that, the fake news ... Every time I say it, anytime I want to have a little fun ... But every time I interchange Barack Hussein ... they say he doesn't know who the president is. He thinks it's Barack Obama. I say no, no, but I think Barack Obama has a lot to do with the running of the country right now, and we can't let that happen. He has a lot to do with it."
Trump's claims about Obama's alleged involvement in the current administration have raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the basis of these statements.
Several users on social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), shared clips of Trump's speech, calling him out for his conspiracy theories.
One user wrote, "Obama roasted this man one time over ten years ago, and he's been living in Trump's head rent-free ever since. I'd believe it if he pops up in Trump's dreams at this point."
Despite the reactions and criticisms, Trump's allegations continue to fuel discussions about the role of Obama in current political affairs.
His remarks add to the ongoing debate surrounding the mental fitness of President Biden and the influence of former leaders in shaping policy decisions.
"In his rally speech, Trump insulted Haley by using his derisive nickname for her, 'Birdbrain,' and lavished praise on South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who endorsed him early," the Associated Press reported.
"Trump claimed that he selected Haley to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations in 2017 and represent America on the world stage only because he was motivated to make McMaster — her second-in-command — the governor of South Carolina," he added.
As the political landscape evolves, Trump's statements highlight the enduring impact of past administrations on public discourse and the challenges of navigating partisan divisions in American politics.
