By: The Trek News Desk
US President Donald Trump has taken down a controversial video from his social media platform, Truth Social, after it triggered widespread backlash for containing a racist clip depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
The video, approximately 62 seconds long, included the offensive imagery in its final segment. It also featured unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud in the 2020 US presidential election, allegations that have already been debunked by courts and investigations. The clip was set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” further intensifying criticism due to its racial undertones.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed he had not watched the video in full before it was posted. He said he had only viewed the beginning and later allowed staff members to upload it. According to Trump, he was unaware that the video included a depiction of the Obamas in such a manner and insisted that it would not have been shared had he known.
Despite this, Trump maintained that he did not commit any wrongdoing and argued that the video was intended to highlight alleged election irregularities.
The incident drew condemnation not only from Democrats but also from within Trump’s own Republican Party. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott described the video as “the most racist thing” to come out of the White House and urged its immediate removal. New York Republican Representative Mike Lawler also denounced the post, calling it deeply offensive and unacceptable.
Utah Senator John Curtis went further, stating that the video was “blatantly racist and inexcusable” and should never have been posted.
Initially, the White House defended the post, dismissing criticism as “fake outrage” and labelling the clip an “internet meme.” However, following intense public and political pressure, the video was removed. A White House official later clarified that the post had been uploaded mistakenly by a staff member, acknowledging internal failure.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the video portrayed Trump as the “King of the Jungle” while depicting Democratic leaders as characters inspired by The Lion King. Critics, however, strongly rejected this explanation, arguing that the imagery relied on historically racist stereotypes.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson condemned the video as “disgusting and disgraceful,” accusing Trump of attempting to divert public attention from pressing national issues. Several Democratic leaders echoed similar sentiments.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker openly labelled Trump a racist, while the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom called on all Republican leaders to publicly denounce the incident. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries launched a scathing attack, describing Trump’s behaviour as vile and deeply troubling.
This episode has reignited debate over Trump’s long history of racially charged remarks about Barack Obama. Before his presidency, Trump repeatedly promoted the false claim that Obama was born in Kenya, a conspiracy theory he later walked back after mounting evidence.
As of now, neither Barack Obama nor Michelle Obama has issued an official response to the video controversy.
Source: News Agencies
