Former President Barack Obama has issued a pointed response to a controversial video shared on President Donald Trump's Truth Social account, which depicted him and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. The video, which superimposed the Obamas' faces onto apes while playing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," sparked immediate outrage after being posted last week.
White House Claims Staffer Error
Initially, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed concerns, calling it "from an internet meme video" and urging critics to "stop the fake outage." However, as condemnation grew, the post was deleted. A White House official later told The Independent that a staffer had "erroneously made the post," though Trump has refused to apologise or discipline anyone involved.
Obama's Reaction to 'Clown Show'
In a 47-minute interview with political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen published on Saturday, Obama addressed the video and broader trends of "cruelty" in public discourse. He emphasised that most Americans find such behaviour "deeply troubling" and still value decency and kindness.
"There's this sort of clown show happening in social media and on television," Obama stated. "What is true is that there doesn't seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office. So that's been lost."
Trump's Defiance and Republican Backlash
Trump has stood firm, telling reporters on Friday, February 6, that he "didn't make a mistake" and confirming he hasn't fired or disciplined the staffer. The video drew sharp criticism even from within his own party. Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the chamber, called it "the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House" and urged its removal.
Republican Senator Katie Britt also denounced it, writing that the content "should have never been posted to begin with, and is not who we are as a nation." Reports indicate Trump was furious with both lawmakers for their criticism.
Historical Context of Targeting
Obama, who served as president from 2009 to 2017, has long been a target for Trump. This incident echoes past controversies, such as Trump's promotion of the "birther conspiracy" that falsely claimed Obama was born in Kenya and ineligible for the presidency. The latest video adds to a pattern of racially charged attacks that have defined much of Trump's political rhetoric.
Obama concluded his remarks by highlighting public sentiment as the ultimate check on such behaviour. "The reason I point out that I don't think the majority of the American people approve of this is because, ultimately, the answer is going to come from the American people," he said.
