Donald Trump claims Barack Obama behind protests and White House leaks
‘I think he is behind it, I also think it’s politics, that’s the way it is’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump has claimed he believes former President Barack Obama is behind the protests being carried out at Republican town halls across America, and the leaks coming from inside his own administration.
The President made the remarks in an interview on Fox News’ ‘Fox & Friends’. The broadcaster released a snippet of the interview, showing the President making the claims ahead of it airing on Tuesday.
In the interview, Mr Trump is asked about his predecessor and his role in the protests being staged at Republican town halls. He is asked: “It turns out his organisation seems to be doing a lot of the organising at some of the protests a lot of these Republicans are seeing around the country and against you. Do you believe Obama’s behind it, and if he is, is that a violation of the so-called unsaid President’s code?”
The President responds by saying he thinks Mr Obama “is behind it,” adding: “I also think that’s politics, that’s the way it is.”
Mr Trump goes on to blame Mr Obama for some of the leaks that have come out of his own administration.
“No I think that President Obama’s behind it because his people [are] certainly behind it," he said.
“And some of the leaks possibly come from that group, and some of the leaks, which are really very serious leaks because they’re very bad in terms of national security, but I also understand that’s politics and in terms of him being behind things, that’s politics. And it will probably continue."
The President has previously blamed the protests against him across the country, including in Utah, Kentucky and Tennessee, on liberal activists.
He previously tweeted: “The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad!”
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer has said some of the protests had appeared “manufactured”.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “I think some people are clearly upset. But there is a bit of a professional protester, manufactured base in there.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments