Abon’go Malik Obama, half-brother of former President Barack Obama, recently expressed his belief that Barack still holds significant influence over the country and the Democratic Party. In a candid interview, Malik shared his controversial perspective that Barack Obama is operating behind the scenes, influencing major political decisions, and may have a prominent role in Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential 2024 presidency. Malik claimed that his half-brother was instrumental in the political shift that saw President Joe Biden replaced by Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee, even before any primary votes were cast.“He’s still running the Democratic Party, and he’s still running the country behind closed doors,”
Malik stated during the interview. He added that Barack’s influence would be undeniable if Harris were to win the upcoming election. When questioned about whether Harris and Barack were collaborating to remove Biden from the political stage, Malik suggested that the two likely maintain frequent communication. “I’m sure they’re talking almost every day,” he remarked.
Malik, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen, gave the interview from his village in Kogelo, Kenya, offering his thoughts on various political matters, including his dissatisfaction with his half-brother’s time in the White House. Once close—Malik even served as Barack’s best man at his wedding—the relationship between the two brothers deteriorated over the years, particularly after Barack’s two terms as president. Malik explained that his disillusionment grew as the Democratic Party moved further left on social issues and diverged from his own devout Muslim beliefs. One of Malik’s major criticisms is Harris’s advocacy for abortion rights and LGBTQ initiatives, which he feels conflict with his religious values.
He criticized Barack for his growing wealth and perceived arrogance. “He’s just becoming rich, that’s all. But he’s not down on the ground. He’s extremely arrogant,” Malik asserted, claiming that Barack had lost touch with both his roots and the common people. He further noted that the former president’s lavish lifestyle and his post-presidency wealth, estimated to be as much as $135 million, added to his disdain for his half-brother. “He’s not like the person he used to be. Even here in Kenya, we don’t feel him… He’s fake as a snake,” Malik added.
The brothers’ estrangement began during Barack’s first term in office when Malik’s charity, the Barack H. Obama Foundation, faced legal troubles for failing to properly register in Virginia and for making false claims about its tax-exempt status. Malik took issue with his brother’s supposed hypocrisy, pointing to the high crime rates in Chicago, the city where Barack’s foundations are headquartered, asking, “What’s he mentoring?”
Malik’s growing discontent with the Democratic Party ultimately led him to join the Republican Party, a decision he described as a “light bulb moment.” He praised former President Donald Trump for his directness and leadership, saying, “Trump was forceful, telling the truth, and he wasn’t just there for the image. He was speaking from his heart.” Malik has since endorsed Trump in every election since 2016 and plans to vote for him again in 2024, stating that Trump’s business acumen makes him the right leader to “turn the country around.”
Regarding Harris, Malik voiced skepticism about her qualifications and criticized her lack of media scrutiny. “She’s got no substance. She’s a joke,” Malik said. He questioned her track record, pointing out that she struggled during her initial presidential campaign and has not made significant strides in her current role as vice president. “She was a prosecutor, OK. She became a senator, OK. But tell us, what has she done, really?”
In addition to his concerns about leadership, Malik also addressed immigration issues. As an immigrant who went through the legal process to obtain U.S. citizenship, Malik expressed frustration over what he sees as lenient policies toward illegal immigration, particularly regarding welfare benefits. He predicted that the border issue would be a major factor for voters in the upcoming election and a potential stumbling block for Harris.
Malik’s criticism extended to his defense of Trump and controversial remarks about immigration and dietary customs, dismissing concerns over Trump’s rhetoric as reflective of local sentiments. “He’s voicing concerns of those who are there in Springfield, Ohio,” Malik said, before launching into a broader discussion on cultural differences, specifically referencing Chinese dietary habits.
Despite the familial connection, Malik Obama remains a staunch critic of his half-brother and the Democratic Party, continuing to support Donald Trump and voicing concerns over what he perceives as the erosion of values in American politics.
