WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday condemned, but refused to apologize for, a racist video depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, which was briefly posted on his social media platform Truth Social.
Read More: Trump draws backlash after sharing video using racist imagery of Obama
The clip, included at the end of a longer video promoting Trump’s unproven voter fraud claims, spliced the Obamas’ faces onto the bodies of apes while the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight played in the background. The post sparked widespread criticism during Black History Month, a period dedicated to celebrating the contributions and history of Black Americans.
Trump: “No Apology” for Racist Animated Video Targeting the Obamas
#vetopost #trumpisaracist #Obama
Read here 👇https://t.co/Rhmog9ZQqv pic.twitter.com/gL9qKX3V4M
— Veto Post (@Vetopost_HQ) February 7, 2026
Asked whether he condemned the racist content, Trump replied, “Of course I do.” However, when pressed about apologizing, he deflected responsibility, saying a staffer had posted the video without reviewing the section containing the offensive imagery. Trump insisted he “didn’t make a mistake” and described the first part of the video, which focused on voter fraud claims, as the content he intended to share.
The post drew swift rebukes from across the political spectrum. Republican Senator Tim Scott, the chamber’s only Black member, called it “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House” and urged its removal. Trump said he spoke to Scott, who “understood that 100%.”
Read More: Trump faces backlash over racist Obama video
Other lawmakers criticized the video sharply. Republican Senator Roger Wicker called it “totally unacceptable,” urging Trump to apologize. Democratic Representative Hakeem Jeffries described Trump as a “vile, unhinged and malignant bottom feeder” and questioned why GOP leaders had not condemned the post, calling for “immediate denunciation” of the president’s actions.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over Trump’s rhetoric, particularly in relation to race, and comes amid continued debates about his political influence and conduct on social media.