Washington, D.C., 6 February 2026 – US President Donald Trump has sparked widespread political backlash after posting, and later deleting, a controversial video on his Truth Social platform depicting former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes, intensifying tensions across the political spectrum.
The video, shared late on February 5, included altered imagery showing the Obamas’ faces superimposed onto ape bodies and referenced conspiracy claims about the 2020 presidential election. The imagery appeared briefly toward the end of a longer video and drew swift condemnation from both Democratic and Republican leaders.
Bipartisan Criticism and Political Fallout
The post triggered strong criticism from lawmakers across party lines, including Republican Senator Tim Scott, who described it as “the most racist thing” he had seen from the White House. Other political leaders also condemned the video, highlighting concerns over racial sensitivity and the tone of political discourse.
The video remained online for several hours before being removed, with officials later stating it had been posted in error by a staff member. Trump said he had not personally reviewed the offensive segment before approving the post and declined to issue a formal apology.
White House Response and Meme Defense
Initially, the White House defended the post as part of an internet meme portraying Trump as a lion and political rivals as animals, urging critics to focus on other issues. However, mounting pressure from political allies and opponents ultimately led to the video’s removal.
The clip appeared within a broader video promoting debunked claims about the 2020 election, which Trump has repeatedly questioned despite court rulings and official certifications affirming the election results.
Social Media and Political Messaging Under Renewed Scrutiny
The controversy underscores the growing role of social media platforms in shaping political narratives and public discourse. Trump’s Truth Social account has remained a central communication channel for his political messaging, often generating global reactions and influencing political debate.
Political analysts say the incident reflects ongoing divisions in US politics, particularly as digital media and artificial intelligence tools increasingly influence political communication strategies.
The episode is likely to further intensify discussions over political rhetoric, leadership accountability and the responsibilities of public officials in shaping public discourse.
