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President Trump faced unusual criticism from Republican lawmakers Monday after sharing a social media post containing racist imagery depicting former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as primates, alongside conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.
The backlash represented a significant moment in congressional relations with the White House, as Republican members of Congress have typically avoided public criticism of Trump since his return to office, preferring to voice concerns privately to avoid potential retaliation.
Multiple Republican senators and representatives joined Democrats in expressing outrage over the post. South Carolina’s Tim Scott, the only Black Republican senator and chair of the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, called it “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House” and urged the president to remove it.
Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts 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.”
Other Republican senators offered similar criticism. Susan Collins of Maine described the image as “appalling,” while Mississippi’s Roger Wicker called it “totally unacceptable” and called for its removal and an apology. Utah Senator John Curtis described the post as “blatantly racist and inexcusable.”
In the House, Republican representatives also spoke out. New York’s Mike Lawler called the post “wrong and incredibly offensive” and urged its immediate deletion with an apology. Nebraska Representative Don Bacon, a frequent Trump critic, mocked the White House’s changing explanations about the video’s origin and eventual removal.
After the video was taken down, more Republicans voiced their objections. Alabama Senator Katie Britt stated, “This content was rightfully removed, should have never been posted to begin with, and is not who we are as a nation.” Michigan Representative John James, one of four Black Republicans in the House, expressed relief that “that trash has been taken down” but defended Trump’s character, saying, “I know the President. He is not racist.”
Some of Trump’s closest allies moved to defend him. Far-right activist Laura Loomer called on followers to identify Republican lawmakers “attacking Trump today with false accusations of racism,” threatening to compile a list for Trump ahead of an upcoming Republican Senate campaign committee meeting in Florida.
Trump has long been critical of the Obamas. Before entering politics, he gained notoriety among conservatives as a proponent of the false “birther” conspiracy theory claiming President Obama was not born in the United States.
White House officials offered conflicting explanations about how the animated video, which has circulated in conservative online circles for months, appeared on the president’s account. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially claimed the post depicted Trump as “King of the Jungle” with the Obamas as characters from “The Lion King” – though that Disney film contains no ape characters and is set in a savanna, not a jungle.
Later, White House officials attributed the post to a staff error. Trump himself told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I liked the beginning. I saw it and just passed it on, and I guess probably nobody reviewed the end of it.” When asked if he condemned the racist elements, Trump replied, “Of course I do.” The president declined to issue a formal apology.
The incident prompted Obama supporters to rally around the former first couple on social media. Pete Souza, the former chief White House photographer during the Obama administration, responded by posting authentic photographs of Barack and Michelle. Representative Ayanna Pressley praised the Obamas’ “brilliance, elegance, and beauty,” while former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the Obamas directly, writing that “the vast majority of our country supports and uplifts you despite the filth spewing from the Oval Office.”
The controversy highlights ongoing racial tensions in American politics and represents one of the few instances where Republican lawmakers have publicly criticized the president since his return to office.
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13 Comments
It’s disappointing to see the president engaging in such divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. Racial equality and unity should be the goal, not fueling further division. I hope this incident leads to serious reflection on the need for more responsible leadership.
Absolutely. Political leaders have a duty to bring people together, not drive them apart with hateful content.
This is a concerning development that underscores the deep partisan divides in the country. I hope this incident leads to greater bipartisan cooperation in addressing racial injustice and promoting unity.
Agreed. Reducing polarization and finding common ground should be the priority for all elected officials, regardless of party.
This is an unfortunate incident that highlights the ongoing racial tensions in the country. While free speech is important, the use of racist imagery is never acceptable, especially from the highest levels of government. I’m glad to see Republicans joining Democrats in condemning this post.
Agreed. Maintaining civility and respect in political discourse should be a priority, regardless of party affiliation.
While freedom of speech is important, the president’s use of racist imagery is unacceptable and goes against the values of a democratic society. I’m glad to see bipartisan condemnation, as this type of behavior should not be tolerated from any elected official.
While I understand the desire for free speech, the use of racist imagery is unacceptable, especially from the president. I’m glad to see Republicans joining the condemnation, as this type of behavior should be condemned across the political spectrum.
This is a concerning development that underscores the need for greater accountability and responsibility in our political leadership. I hope this incident leads to meaningful reforms and a renewed commitment to upholding democratic norms and principles.
Agreed. Restoring trust in our political institutions should be a top priority for all elected officials.
This incident highlights the need for greater civility and respect in our political discourse. Regardless of party affiliation, we should all condemn the use of racist content and work towards a more inclusive and just society.
Well said. Promoting unity and understanding should be the goal, not fueling further division.
The use of racist imagery by the president is deeply troubling and goes against the principles of a just and equitable society. I’m encouraged to see Republicans speaking out, as this type of behavior should be universally condemned.