THIS DAWN — Several reports, especially on social media, has indicated that President Donald Trump reportedly issued a formal warning to former President Barack Obama.
According to reports making rounds, President Trump urged Obama to avoid interfering in the foreign policy of the United States.
He allegedly threatened to press charges for possible Hatch Act violations.
If he does, it may lead to the arrest of the former president if found culpable of violating the act.
What is Hatch Act?
The Hatch Act is a U.S. law that restricts the political activities of federal employees while they are in office.
According to a legal expert, however, it does not apply to former officials who are no longer serving in government, such as former President Obama.
Therefore, the expert noted that, legally speaking, it would be inapplicable to prosecute or arrest a former president under the Hatch Act for political speech or advocacy as a private citizen.
“If someone were accused of violating federal law, due process through the U.S. justice system—not political threats or public opinion—would determine guilt or innocence.
“In short, any action against a former president must rest on clear legal grounds and evidence, not politics,” he said.
Trump versus Obama
In July 2025, President Trump accused Obama of “treason” over alleged actions during the 2016 election period.
Trump claimed Obama led a conspiracy to undermine his presidency.
Legal experts and fact-checkers pointed out that the intelligence assessments and subsequent investigations did not support the theory of a coup or criminal conspiracy involving Obama.
The Hatch Act governs the political activity of federal employees, requiring that official positions and authority not be used for partisan purposes.
Fact-check
The expert, meanwhile, stated categorically that there are no reliable reports showing that Trump explicitly warned Obama that he would face criminal charges under the Hatch Act if he intervened in U.S. foreign policy.
The allegations about interference in foreign policy appear conflated with other claims of “meddling”.
It is not, however, directly tied to a documented warning linked to the Hatch Act.
The Hatch Act primarily regulates federal employees’ political activity while in office.
It does not apply to former presidents in their private capacity.
Fact-checkers flagged the specific claim as “unverified.”
Why the confusion?
According to the legal expert, overlap of multiple legal and political themes, including foreign policy interference, the Logan Act, the Hatch Act, and public threats, creates possible misgivings.
The Logan Act, for example, addresses unauthorized citizens engaging in foreign diplomacy, sometimes cited in these contexts.
Media and social-media posts may spread unverified claims or misinterpret remarks as formal warnings when they are rhetorical or hyperbolic.
Conclusion
Admittedly, President Trump has made sweeping accusations against former President Obama, especially regarding the 2016 Russia-investigation period.
However, there is no verified basis for the specific claim that he formally warned Obama of legal action under the Hatch Act related to interfering in foreign policy.
Until concrete documentation emerges, the statement remains speculative.
