Malik Obama, the half-brother of former U.S. President Barack Obama, has recently made headlines by announcing his support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming November 5 elections.
On the social media platform X, Malik Obama openly declared,
“I am Malik Obama. I’m a registered Republican and I’m voting for President Donald Trump.”
This endorsement aligns with his previous support for Trump, which dates back to the 2016 presidential election. At that time, Malik voiced his approval of Trump’s policies, particularly his emphasis on national security.
Malik Obama, born to economist Barack Obama Sr. and his first wife, Kezia Obama, is a Kenyan-American businessman and philanthropist who holds U.S. citizenship. He is currently serving as the Lead Ambassador at Puppet, a company specializing in software configuration management. His career in the U.S. includes notable positions as an accountant for prominent organizations such as Lockheed Martin, the American Red Cross, and Fannie Mae.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Malik has also been involved in politics. He once ran for governor in Kenya’s Siaya district, the region where his father originated. Despite his efforts, he received only 1% of the vote.
Public records show that Malik Obama maintains a residence in Maryland, where he is registered to vote. His personal life and political activities have frequently drawn media attention, often due to controversies and his complex relationship with his half-brother, Barack Obama.
Their relationship has experienced various highs and lows over the years. Malik was the best man at Barack’s wedding to Michelle in 1992 and had the opportunity to visit the White House during his half-brother’s presidency. However, their relationship has not been without friction. Malik launched a charity called the Barack H. Obama Foundation, which faced challenges, including issues with registration and accusations of misrepresenting its tax-exempt status. Malik has publicly criticized Barack for not supporting his charity, stating,
“My brother didn’t help me at all. He wanted me to shut it down when I set it up. He hasn’t supported me at all.”
Malik’s relationship with his half-brother has also been strained by his involvement in conspiracy theories. He notably supported claims, originally promoted by Donald Trump, suggesting that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. but was instead a citizen of Kenya. Malik purportedly shared a forged birth certificate image to support these claims, a document dated before Kenya’s 1964 independence.
Furthermore, Malik has been outspoken against political figures such as Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee, expressing his dissatisfaction with her policies and his exit from the Democratic Party. His critiques and controversial stances have fueled public interest and media scrutiny.
Malik Obama continues to be a polarizing figure, balancing his professional achievements with a history of contentious public and personal affairs. His recent political endorsement and ongoing controversies reflect his complex relationship with his half-brother and his place in the broader political landscape.
