National security

Trump accuses Obama of being the 'founder of ISIS'

Donald Trump accused President Barack Obama on Wednesday of founding the militant Islamic State (IS) group that is wreaking havoc from the Middle East to European cities. A moment later, on another topic, he referred to the president by his full legal name: Barack Hussein Obama.

“In many respects, you know, they honour President Obama,” Trump said during a raucous campaign rally outside Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "He is the founder of ISIS."

He repeated the allegation three more times for emphasis.

The Republican presidential nominee in the past has accused his opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton, of founding the militant group.

As he shifted the blame to Obama on Wednesday, he said “crooked Hillary Clinton” was actually the group's co-founder.