Listen to the article
President Trump removed a video from his social media accounts Friday that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as cartoon apes, drawing swift condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans. While the video was taken down, Trump stated he would not apologize for posting it.
The minute-long video primarily focused on false claims about election fraud in the 2020 presidential election, but concluded with images of the Obamas’ faces superimposed on animated apes while “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” played in the background.
Speaking to reporters Friday night, Trump said he condemns the racist elements of the video but defended his actions. “No, I didn’t make a mistake,” he said aboard Air Force One. “I looked at the beginning of it. It was fine.” He claimed a staffer erroneously posted the video without reviewing it completely.
A White House official confirmed to NBC News that “a White House staffer erroneously made the post,” and that it was removed shortly before noon on Friday. When asked which staff member was responsible and whether they would face consequences, Trump did not directly respond.
The video’s racist imagery, evoking long-standing derogatory tropes against Black people, was particularly jarring during Black History Month, which celebrates the contributions of Black Americans. Barack Obama made history as the nation’s first Black president.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially defended the post, describing it as “an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from ‘The Lion King.'” She dismissed criticism as “fake outrage” and urged media to focus on issues “that actually matter to the American public.”
The backlash crossed party lines, with Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican in the Senate, sharply condemning the post. “Praying it was fake because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House. The President should remove it,” Scott wrote on social media.
Trump said he later spoke with Scott, describing the conversation positively. “He was great,” Trump remarked. “Tim is a great guy. He understood that 100%.” According to a White House ally with direct knowledge, Trump explained what happened but did not apologize to Scott.
Other Republicans joined in criticism. Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska wrote, “Even if this was a ‘Lion King’ meme, a reasonable person sees the racist context to this. The White House should do what anyone does when they make a mistake: remove this and apologize.”
Representatives Mike Lawler of New York and Mike Turner of Ohio also condemned the post, with Turner calling the images “offensive, heart breaking, and unacceptable.” Senator John Curtis of Utah noted the delay in removing the “blatantly racist and inexcusable” content.
Democratic leaders were equally forceful in their condemnation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the post “Racist. Vile. Abhorrent,” while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Trump as “a vile, unhinged and malignant bottom feeder.”
Even after the video’s removal, many lawmakers continued calling for an apology that has not been issued. When pressed by Fox News host Laura Ingraham on why Trump wouldn’t apologize, Leavitt characterized the controversy as “merely a distraction for the fake news media.”
A White House ally expressed anger about Leavitt’s initial response, saying she “dropped the ball” by defending the video during Black History Month, suggesting she either released a statement without understanding the situation or didn’t initially find the content problematic.
The incident adds to a pattern of controversial behavior. Trump has previously shared manipulated videos attacking political opponents and has promoted election conspiracy theories on social media. During his second term, he has issued executive orders eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government that were expanded under previous administrations, including Obama’s.
The Obama family has not yet issued a response to the incident.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
I’m curious to know more about the process that led to this video being posted. Was there no review or oversight to catch the racist elements beforehand? This seems like a major lapse in judgment.
Good point. The White House’s claim that it was an ‘erroneously’ posted video without review raises serious questions about their content moderation practices. More transparency is needed.
This type of racially charged imagery has no place in politics. It’s deeply disappointing to see the former President engage in such blatantly offensive behavior. I hope he is held accountable.
While I understand the desire to criticize political opponents, the use of racist imagery crosses a line. This video is blatantly disrespectful and has no place in civil discourse.
Absolutely. Stooping to such offensive tactics undermines any legitimate policy critiques and erodes public trust. Trump should be held accountable for this.
This video is incredibly racist and offensive. Using dehumanizing imagery to target the Obamas is unacceptable, regardless of the political motivations. Trump’s refusal to apologize is disappointing but not surprising.
Agreed, it’s disturbing that Trump continues to engage in this kind of hateful rhetoric. The responsibility lies with him and his staff for allowing this to be posted.
While I’m no fan of the Obamas, this video crosses a line. Using dehumanizing caricatures is racist, plain and simple. Trump should apologize and take responsibility for the lapse in judgment.