Barack Obama's half-brother, Malik Obama, has publicly announced his intention to vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
According to Newsweek, Malik Obama, a Kenyan-American businessman and politician, made the declaration on social media platform X on September 4, 2024.
"I am Malik Obama. I'm a registered Republican and I'm voting for President Donald Trump," Malik wrote in his post. This endorsement marks a continuation of Malik's support for Trump, which began during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Malik Obama, who shares a father with former President Barack Obama, has had a complex relationship with his half-brother over the years. Initially, the two appeared to have a close bond, with Malik serving as the best man at Barack's wedding and vice versa.
In 2008, Malik was a strong supporter of Barack's presidential campaign, celebrating his victory in their father's birthplace of Kogelo, Kenya. He spoke positively about their relationship in interviews, emphasizing their closeness and shared history. However, Malik's political stance began to shift dramatically in the years that followed. By 2016, he had become a vocal critic of his half-brother's administration and a fervent supporter of Donald Trump.
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Malik publicly endorsed Trump, praising the businessman's direct communication style. He expressed disappointment with his half-brother's administration, which likely contributed to his decision to support Trump.
Trump welcomed Malik's endorsement, even inviting him to attend the third and final presidential debate against Hillary Clinton in Las Vegas. This gesture further solidified Malik's alignment with the Republican candidate. Malik's support for Trump continued into the 2020 election cycle, where he engaged in controversial behavior by sharing a fake birth certificate that falsely claimed Barack Obama was born in Kenya rather than Hawaii.
In recent days, Malik has intensified his online criticism of the Democratic Party and Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign. His posts on social media platform X have targeted various Democratic policies and figures. Malik Obama wrote:
DEMOCRATS: ADVOCATES OF ABORTION, GAY MARRIAGE, SEX CHANGE, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, VOTER FRAUD.
This statement, posted on August 31, 2024, encapsulates Malik's current views on the Democratic Party's platform and priorities. He has also directed specific criticisms toward individual Democratic politicians. For instance, he referred to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as "Mr. Afghanistan," echoing conservative critiques of Walz's military record.
Malik's comments about Vice President Kamala Harris have been particularly pointed. He described her as "Hillary Clinton in another dimension," drawing a comparison between Harris and the former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate.
While Malik Obama's endorsement may not significantly impact the overall election outcome, it does highlight the ongoing divisions within the Obama family and the broader political landscape.
Malik's continued support for Trump and criticism of the Democratic Party could potentially influence some voters, particularly those who may be undecided or who place value on familial connections in politics.
Malik Obama's endorsement of Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election highlights the complex dynamics within political families and the broader American political landscape. His shift from supporting his half-brother Barack Obama to becoming a vocal Trump supporter underscores the potential for dramatic changes in political allegiances over time. The impact of this endorsement on the election remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder of the personal narratives that often intersect with national politics.
