5 key takeaways from latest 'Russiagate' revelations: 'This was treason'

4. Obama spokesperson pushes back: ‘Weak attempt at distraction’

Obama’s spokesman Patrick Rodenbush issued an unusual scathing statement in the wake of Trump’s claims, which he dismissed as “bizarre” and “ridiculous” without denying them.

BREAKING ???? Statement issued from the Office of President Obama:

"Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response. But these claims are outrageous…

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) July 22, 2025

“Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response,” Rodenbush said. “But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one.”

“These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction,” Obama's spokesman continued. “Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes.”

“These findings were affirmed in a 2020 report by the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee, led by then-Chairman Marco Rubio,” he added.