Washington, D.C., February 6, 2026 —
U.S. President Donald Trump is facing widespread condemnation after sharing a controversial video on his social media platform, Truth Social, that briefly depicts former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
The video, posted late Thursday, primarily promotes false claims questioning the integrity of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. However, near the end of the clip, the Obamas’ faces appear digitally superimposed onto animated apes dancing in a jungle scene, accompanied by the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Although the segment lasts only a few seconds, it triggered immediate backlash across the political spectrum.
Critics described the imagery as racist and deeply offensive, pointing to the long history of using ape-like depictions to dehumanize Black people. Civil rights advocates said the post crossed a line and undermined efforts to combat racial prejudice, especially when shared by a sitting U.S. president.
California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled the video “disgusting behaviour” and urged Republican leaders to publicly condemn it. Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes said the imagery reflects poorly on American leadership and damages the country’s global image.
International commentators and diplomats also weighed in, warning that such content fuels racial division and weakens moral authority on human rights issues worldwide.
The White House defended the post, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissing the criticism as “fake outrage.” She said the clip was part of an online meme meant to portray Trump as a dominant political figure, not as a racial attack. The explanation, however, failed to calm critics.
As of Friday, the video remained on Trump’s Truth Social account, and no apology had been issued.
The controversy has renewed debate about the use of edited and AI-generated content by political leaders and the responsibility that comes with large digital platforms. Analysts warn that even brief imagery can carry powerful symbolic meaning and lasting consequences.