Former President Barack Obama’s keynote address at a Canadian think tank’s anniversary gala on Friday, May 8, has triggered sharp criticism from some Donald Trump supporters who saw the visit as improper interference.
Obama spoke at Canada 2020’s 20th anniversary event at the Fairmont Royal York hotel. The private, sold-out gala drew a huge number of policy experts and political figures.
Prime Minister Mark Carney attended and later posted a video on X of himself and his wife warmly greeting Obama.
“Welcome back to Canada, President @BarackObama,” Carney wrote. “Thank you for joining us in Toronto for important conversations on how we can build a better and more just future.”
The post quickly drew fire from Laura Loomer, a vocal Trump ally and activist, who replied directly, questioning Obama’s active international role since leaving office, especially during Trump’s tenure in the Oval Office.
“Why is Barack Hussein Obama meeting with world leaders while President Trump is in office? This is a coup,” Far-right conspiracy theorist Loomer reacted.
Loomer’s Comment on Obama goes Viral
Her comment spread fast among Trump supporters online, with some calling it evidence of a “shadow government” or deep state effort to undermine the current administration.
Others accused Obama of continuing to wield influence abroad despite leaving office years ago.
Defenders of the former president of the United States and Carney dismissed the reaction as overblown. They pointed out that former presidents routinely give paid speeches, attend international forums, and meet foreign leaders.
For instance, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter have done so for decades on issues ranging from global health to climate policy. George W. Bush has stayed active in humanitarian work overseas.
Critics of Loomer also noted her past comments, including one she made in July 2024, while Joe Biden was president, praising Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago.
She described the sit-down positively and made no mention of any coup or improper behavior.
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The Canada 2020 meeting was a forum for discussion of economic and social policy. Obama’s visit was not an official state visit. He was traveling as a private person, and the think tank says it is independent and progressive.
Obama has kept a relatively low profile since Trump’s return to the White House, but has spoken occasionally about democratic norms and policy challenges.
His decision to accept the Toronto invitation comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Ottawa on trade, borders, and energy.
On social media, reactions were based on the current political divide in the country. Trump supporters shared Loomer’s post widely, with some claiming Obama’s travel showed disrespect for the current president.
Others mocked the “coup” label, telling Loomer to “get a life” and reminding her that Trump met foreign leaders while out of power, and was never called out by the Democrats’ side.
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One reply summed up the pushback: “DJT did the same when Biden was in office. I can recall several dates with Bibi.”
The incident shows how any move by a former president can ignite partisan flames in today’s divided climate, especially at this moment when each side is preparing for the eagerly awaited November midterm elections.
The former president’s team has not commented publicly on the backlash.
Carney’s office described the meeting as a standard courtesy for a visiting dignitary and former head of state.
