Former President Barack Obama denied President Donald Trump's “bizarre allegations" that he was the Russiagate “ringleader," in a rare public statement Tuesday evening.

Earlier that day, Trump accused Obama of being the “ringleader” behind the Trump–Russia collusion narrative and demanded a criminal investigation, citing new claims that Obama-era officials allegedly “manufactured” intelligence to justify the probe.

These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.” The statement continues, “Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 election but did not successfully manipulate any votes.