In recent weeks, a sensational claim circulated by OmegaNewsBD alleges that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to indict and arrest former President Barack Obama on charges of treason, espionage, and seditious conspiracy. The article further claims that federal law enforcement is collaborating with the Secret Service and that an indictment could happen “within days.”
However, these claims are not supported by any credible evidence or reporting from established news organizations. A closer look at the facts shows a significant gap between the rumor and reality.
Source of the Claim: Anonymous and Unverified
The OmegaNewsBD article relies on unnamed “insiders” within the DOJ and offers no supporting documentation, official statements, or verifiable evidence. No mainstream media outlet—left, right, or center—has reported anything remotely resembling this allegation.
This isn’t the first time such rumors have circulated. In 2020, a false story claiming Obama had been arrested for espionage was thoroughly debunked by Reuters, which concluded it was fabricated. That story used tactics often seen in disinformation campaigns, such as attaching Obama’s name to an unrelated DOJ press release.
What the DOJ Is Actually Investigating
While there’s no indication that Obama is under investigation, the DOJ has launched inquiries related to his administration. In July 2025, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released over 100 pages of declassified documents. These alleged that certain Obama-era intelligence officials may have altered or withheld information concerning Russian interference in the 2016 election, allegedly in an effort to undermine Donald Trump’s candidacy.
In response, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the formation of a specialized DOJ “strike force” to review these materials. A grand jury was also convened to evaluate whether any criminal activity occurred during the intelligence community’s handling of Russia-related information.
Crucially, none of these actions have directly implicated Barack Obama himself, nor has the DOJ suggested that he is a target of the investigation.
Political Context and Misinformation
The rumor’s timing has raised eyebrows. It began circulating just as former President Donald Trump faced renewed scrutiny in connection with Jeffrey Epstein-related investigations. Some analysts suggest the Obama arrest story serves as a political distraction.
Vice President J.D. Vance recently hinted that indictments might be possible for unnamed individuals connected to the so-called “Russiagate” probe. However, he made no mention of Obama or provided details.
Adding to the misinformation, AI-generated videos depicting Obama’s arrest have gone viral on social media. Comedian and talk show host Stephen Colbert publicly condemned these deepfake clips as “insane,” suggesting they are designed to divert public attention from more pressing legal and political developments.
Legal Barriers to Prosecuting a Former President
Even if future evidence did emerge against a former president, legal hurdles would remain. A recent Supreme Court decision expanded presidential immunity for actions taken while in office, making it more difficult to pursue legal action against former commanders-in-chief for decisions made during their term.
Bottom Line: No Arrest in Sight
Despite the dramatic nature of the claims, there is no evidence that the DOJ is preparing to arrest Barack Obama. Investigations into Obama-era intelligence activities are ongoing but currently involve former officials—not the former president himself.
Until credible evidence or official confirmation emerges, this story remains unsubstantiated and should be treated as politically motivated disinformation. Readers are urged to verify claims with established news organizations and remain cautious of headlines that appear designed to provoke outrage rather than inform.
