Trump Deletes Controversial Video After Backlash Over Depictions of Obamas

WASHINGTON — The White House removed a video shared on former President Donald Trump’s social media account that drew sharp criticism for depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes, prompting widespread accusations of racism.

The post, shared Thursday night on Trump’s Truth Social account, was part of a longer video that also included unfounded claims about the 2020 election, according to news reports. The video remained online for about 12 hours before it was taken down. 

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially defended the post, saying the video was an internet meme portraying Trump as the “King of the Jungle” and Democratic leaders as animals. She dismissed criticism as “fake outrage.” 

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the only Black Republican in the Senate, called the imagery “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House” and urged its removal. 

Civil rights groups and numerous lawmakers from both parties condemned the post, saying the imagery evoked racist tropes historically used to dehumanize Black people. 

A White House official later said the post was mistakenly shared by a staffer. Representatives for the Obamas did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

The episode adds to ongoing controversy over Trump’s use of social media and AI-generated content in political messaging.