Trump Promotes Debunked $40 Million Obama Conspiracy Theory

Donald Trump recently advanced a debunked conspiracy theory alleging former President Barack Obama has been profiting from taxpayer money through “royalties” related to Obamacare, claiming the sum is around $40 million since 2010. This baseless assertion was shared on his social media, where Trump expressed astonishment with a simple “Wow!” The source of this misinformation traces back to a satirical account, showcasing Trump’s tendency to blur the lines between fact and fiction.

The conspiracy theory originated from a social media post by “The Patriot Oasis,” a right-wing user known for sharing pro-Trump content. Despite its ludicrous nature, the claim has gained traction, misleading numerous followers, including Trump. This incident underscores the troubling reality of how satirical content is often mistaken for truth, particularly on platforms like X.

Legal experts have quickly pointed out the absurdity of these claims. For example, there is no possibility that Obama could have registered any royalties linked to a government program like Obamacare, as such ownership would belong to the government itself. Intellectual property lawyer Erik Pelton highlighted that trademarks associated with federal initiatives, like Trump’s own Navy Space Force, are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. military, further debunking the validity of Trump’s assertions.

This event highlights the pervasive influence of misinformation within Trump’s rhetoric, reflecting his ability to promote unfounded theories that resonate with his base. The claim that Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) suspended payments to Obama only adds layers of confusion to an already falsified narrative.

Trump’s willingness to share this conspiracy theory not only damages his credibility but also raises significant questions about the depth of his understanding regarding government operations. This episode reflects a broader pattern of behavior wherein Trump uses his platform to perpetuate falsehoods, ultimately undermining public trust in both him and the institutions he claims to lead.