Laura Loomer sparks backlash after calling Barack Obama's Canada visit a 'coup'

WASHINGTON, DC: A social media post from Trump ally Laura Loomer on Saturday, May 9, triggered a wave of online ridicule and political pushback after she accused former President Barack Obama of participating in a “coup” simply for appearing alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during an international summit in Toronto.

What began as a routine diplomatic appearance quickly turned into a fresh political firestorm, with critics accusing Loomer of hypocrisy and selectively applying outrage depending on who is involved.

Laura Loomer slams Barack Obama's Canada visit

Obama is among several global political figures invited to Canada this week for the Global Progress Action Summit, where leaders, academics, and policy experts are discussing economic development, democracy, and international cooperation.

Carney publicly welcomed Obama in a social media post, sharing a video of the two leaders greeting each other before the event.

“Welcome back to Canada, President Obama. Thank you for joining us in Toronto for important conversations on how we can build a better and more just future,” Carney wrote.

The post appeared routine until Loomer reacted.

Shortly after midnight, Loomer posted her response online, writing, “Why is Barack Hussein Obama meeting with world leaders while President Trump is in office? This is a coup.”

The post immediately exploded across social media, drawing reactions, including criticism from both Trump opponents and users who identified as politically conservative.

Online users point out Laura Loomer's hypocrisy

Many users quickly pointed out that Loomer had shown no similar concern when Donald Trump held meetings with foreign leaders while out of office.

Several posts resurfaced from 2024, including Loomer’s own celebratory reaction to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

That contradiction became a major focus of the backlash. One user wrote, “Then I assume Trump should be held accountable for doing the same thing, right? Your bias is clearly showing.”

Another seemingly mocked Loomer’s outrage, writing on X, “Obama is allowed to speak to whoever he wants. That’s not a coup, that’s called being a former president.”

Others noted Obama’s continued popularity abroad, particularly in Canada and Europe. “Because he’s invited. Because he’s respected. Because it’s not illegal,” another user wrote on X.

Some pro-Trump users attempted to cite the Logan Act, a law that restricts unauthorized diplomacy by private citizens.

Obama’s visit comes as he continues to make selective public appearances through speeches, foundation work, and international policy events.

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