Former President Barack Obama has once again found himself at the center of controversy after unveiling an announcement that critics say completely contradicts his own long-standing positions — a move that has left even some of his supporters stunned by what they’re calling a case of “blatant hypocrisy.”

The uproar began after Obama confirmed the creation of a new private consultancy and investment group that will, in part, advise and partner with major fossil fuel and defense corporations. The firm, reportedly called Atlas Global Strategies, will be based in Washington, D.C., and London, focusing on “global sustainability, energy, and security partnerships.”

For many, the announcement was jarring. Throughout his presidency, Obama championed clean energy initiatives, denounced the influence of corporate lobbying, and frequently warned about the dangers of climate change and endless military entanglements. Now, critics say he’s cashing in on the very industries he once held responsible for many of the world’s problems.

“Obama has every right to build a business,” said conservative commentator Ben Shapiro. “But partnering with oil companies and weapons contractors after spending years lecturing Americans about the dangers of both? That’s next-level hypocrisy.”

According to insiders, the firm’s early clients include several multinational energy companies seeking to “align production models with the carbon-neutral transition.” Others, however, interpret that phrasing as a convenient way of saying “greenwashing” — appearing environmentally friendly while continuing business as usual.

“Obama’s brand has always been moral clarity,” said political analyst Ellen Cardone. “He positioned himself as the conscience of American politics — the man above corporate greed and corruption. This new venture undercuts that image entirely.”

The criticism hasn’t just come from conservatives. Several progressive voices who once idolized Obama are also expressing disappointment. Sunrise Movement co-founder Varshini Prakash posted on X:

“To see the man who inspired millions to fight for climate justice now advising fossil fuel firms for profit — it’s deeply disheartening. It proves once again that power and money change everything.”

The timing of the announcement has also raised eyebrows. Just weeks ago, Obama spoke at a global youth leadership summit where he urged the next generation to reject cynicism and “avoid the traps of greed and self-interest.” His words were widely applauded — until this week’s revelation cast them in an entirely different light.

“What’s frustrating,” said political ethics professor Dr. Carl Jenkins, “is that Obama spent years cultivating an image of idealism and restraint. This move plays right into the narrative that all political figures eventually betray their own message.”

In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the former president defended the new enterprise, calling it “a pragmatic evolution of Obama’s lifelong mission to create meaningful global partnerships.” The statement emphasized that the firm’s work would focus on “advising clients on responsible energy transition, sustainable development, and conflict prevention.”

Still, many aren’t buying it. Detractors point to Obama’s reported $20 million advance for his memoirs, his lucrative Netflix production deal, and now his involvement with industries he once condemned, arguing that the former president has fully transitioned from reformer to global elite businessman.

Social media erupted with commentary. “He used to say ‘yes we can,’ now it’s more like ‘yes we can profit,’” one user wrote. Another added, “If you ever needed proof that politics is performance art, this is it.”

Obama’s defenders, however, say the criticism is overblown. “People evolve,” said one longtime supporter. “He’s using his experience to influence corporations from the inside — to make them better. That’s not hypocrisy; that’s strategy.”

Yet even among his loyal followers, there’s a growing unease that the former president’s actions increasingly resemble those of the establishment figures he once challenged. His global foundation, Netflix projects, and now corporate partnerships have blurred the lines between advocacy and affluence.

“What makes this sting,” said columnist Maya Reynolds, “is that Obama wasn’t just another politician — he was a symbol of hope, a moral compass for millions. When symbols like that start acting like CEOs, it erodes faith in public leadership.”

For now, Obama appears unfazed by the criticism. He’s scheduled to headline an economic forum in Singapore next month, where he’s expected to promote “public-private collaboration for sustainable progress.”

But for many Americans, the irony is impossible to ignore. The man who once campaigned on ending corporate influence in politics is now partnering with some of the most powerful corporations in the world — and that, as one critic put it, “is the real legacy of modern politics: saying one thing, doing another.”

Whether history will judge this as hypocrisy or pragmatism remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Obama’s latest move has reignited the debate over what happens when idealism meets opportunity, and how even the most admired leaders can become symbols of the very systems they once vowed to change.