Trump’s AI-Powered Threat: Reigniting Old Grudges

U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama (image source)

In a stunning blend of political theater and technological manipulation, U.S. President Donald Trump has once again ignited controversy by accusing former President Barack Obama of “treason”, citing declassified intelligence reports and using AI-generated deepfake content to amplify his claims. Posted to Truth Social, the AI-altered video shows Obama being handcuffed by FBI agents inside the Oval Office, while the soundtrack of the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” blares in the background—a jarring juxtaposition meant to provoke and distract. The viral clip has drawn immediate condemnation from civil rights groups, legal experts, and bipartisan political figures.

Weaponizing AI in Political Theater

The video underscores the escalating role of artificial intelligence in politics, especially when used to mislead audiences and manipulate perception. Experts warn that the use of deepfakes by political leaders crosses an ethical line and erodes public trust in democratic institutions. “This is not satire—it’s disinformation at the highest level,” said one media ethics scholar. “When the president uses fake footage to push real accusations, it undermines democratic credibility and creates dangerous uncertainty.”

Treason Charges & Declassified Claims

At the core of Trump's renewed offensive is a report declassified by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, which alleges that the Obama administration misused intelligence resources in 2016 to orchestrate a “soft coup” aimed at undermining Trump's transition into office. Based on this, Trump has publicly called for DOJ criminal referrals for Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden, calling their alleged actions “the crime of the century.”

However, legal experts dispute the validity of such claims, and previous bipartisan intelligence reviews (including those from the Senate Intelligence Committee) have confirmed Russia’s 2016 interference but found no evidence that the vote itself was altered. Obama’s office labeled Trump’s claims “outrageous and politically motivated,” urging the media and public to reject the escalating use of propaganda and AI manipulation.

Distraction From Legal Pressure?

Critics suggest that the move reflects a familiar Trumpian tactic: generate spectacle to divert attention from mounting legal problems—including new pressure tied to the Epstein trafficking investigation and dissatisfaction within the MAGA base. Politico reports that Trump is pressing his Department of Justice to reopen and pursue past grievances, reframing earlier investigations into his campaign as “deep state conspiracies.” Sources allege that in a recent meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Trump doubled down on his intent to “prosecute the past,” attempting to elevate partisan narratives into foreign policy conversations.

Experts Raise Red Flags

Observers warn this moment is about more than political rivalry—it’s a stress test for democracy in the age of AI. “Trump has long played fast and loose with facts,” said one analyst, “but using AI to fabricate reality and then call for real-world arrests? That’s new. That’s dangerous.” Civil society groups have called for urgent legislation to regulate deepfake content—especially when used by political actors—and to reinforce media literacy among the public. As the 2026 elections loom, the fear is clear: if these tactics continue unchecked, AI-fueled propaganda could alter public opinion, compromise democratic norms, and permanently scar the political landscape.