MAGA Pundit Alleges Obama Aide and Pope in Plot to Damage Trump's Catholic Vote
A prominent MAGA commentator has made explosive claims that former President Barack Obama and Pope Leo XIV are engaged in a covert operation to harm Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections. Hal Lambert, the CEO of Point Bridge Capital, which offers a MAGA-themed exchange-traded fund, asserted that this alleged conspiracy aims to turn Catholic voters against former President Donald Trump.
Claims of Political Manipulation
During an appearance on CNN NewsNight, Lambert stated emphatically, "This is 100% political, ok. This is all about trying to hurt President Trump's Catholic vote during the midterms and Republicans in the midterms." He elaborated on his theory by connecting dots between key figures, noting that Pope Leo XIV hails from Chicago, as does Obama, who served as an Illinois senator. Lambert specifically highlighted a recent meeting between David Axelrod, Obama's former special advisor, and the pope, suggesting it was part of this plot.
Lambert pointed to the pope's criticisms of Trump's policies, particularly regarding immigration and Israel, as evidence of the conspiracy. He referenced an episode of 60 Minutes where three cardinals condemned the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, arguing this was orchestrated to sway Catholic voters. When host Abby Phillip questioned the logic of his argument, Lambert insisted there were "no flaws" in his theory and demanded to know why Axelrod would meet with the pontiff.
Responses and Rebuttals
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV held a closed-door meeting with Axelrod on April 9, though details remain undisclosed. Axelrod posted on social media that he was "gratified and honored" by the encounter, clarifying it was scheduled months in advance and unrelated to any potential Obama visit. In an email, Axelrod expressed a "special kinship" with the pope as fellow Chicagoans and praised his moral leadership.
Meanwhile, Trump has faced backlash for his own criticisms of the pope, including calling him "WEAK" on crime and suggesting he preferred the pope's brother. In a since-deleted Truth Social post, Trump shared an image depicting himself as Jesus, later claiming he thought it showed him dressed as a doctor. Pope Leo XIV responded by stating he has "no fear" of the Trump administration and prefers not to debate the president.
Broader Political Implications
Lambert's allegations come amid heightened political tensions, with Trump drawing criticism from figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and conservative activist Riley Gaines. Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, weighed in, suggesting the Vatican should focus on moral issues rather than political entanglements.
Obama has expressed interest in meeting the pope, citing their shared Chicago roots and the pontiff's support for the White Sox, but no such meeting has been confirmed. Lambert's theory hinges on unverified connections, yet it underscores the volatile intersection of religion and politics in contemporary American discourse, particularly as midterm elections approach.
