Barack Obama 'genuinely concerned' about Donald Trump developments, says former Press Secretary

The insight was provided by the 44th president's former spokesman

A former spokesman for Barack Obama has said the ex-president is “genuinely concerned” about developments engulfing the Trump administration.

Josh Earnest, who served as White House press secretary from 2014 to 2017, was asked about his former bosses' thoughts about what was transpiring under his successor.

“He’s genuinely concerned,” Mr Earnest told MSNBC.

Mr Earnest is now a analyst for the liberal-leading television network, a post he took after Mr Trump assumed the presidency on January 20.

Since then, Mr Obama has been virtually silent about the various controversies that have beset Mr Trump.

His only public statement, delivered through a spokesman, was to strongly deny Mr Trump’s claim - which the New York tycoon delivered without evidence and has been debunked by congressional investigators - that he wiretapped Trump Tower.

Yet, Mr Earnest has provided some insight into the hinting of the former president. Earlier this week, he said Mr Obama “would be happy to” continue to offer advice to Mr Trump as he did during the transition between their administrations.

Mr Earnest said he is not aware of any communication between his former boss and Mr Trump since Inauguration Day. The two spoke multiple times during the transition.

“I’m not aware they’ve had conversations since President Trump took office, but the telephone line still works so if he wants advice or insight, I’m confident that President Obama, who’s interested in the success of the country, would be happy to share his experience with President Trump,” he said.

Mr Earnest’s comment came as Mr Trump’s administration continues to fight controversies on several fronts.

On Thursday night, it emerged that former national security adviser Michael Flynn has offered to cooperate with congressional investigators in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

“General Flynn certainly has a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it, should the circumstances permit,’’ Mr Flynn’s lawyer, Robert Kelner, said in a statement Thursday evening.

“Out of respect for the committees, we will not comment right now on the details of discussions between counsel for General Flynn and the House and Senate intelligence committees, other than to confirm that those discussions have taken place. But it is important to acknowledge the circumstances in which those discussions are occurring.’’