Barack Obama reacts to a controversial video shared by former President Donald Trump on Truth Social that depicted Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as apes. The video, widely criticized for its racist imagery, has since been deleted, but it sparked national discussion about the boundaries of online discourse and political responsibility.
In a candid interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama addressed the AI-generated clip, which combined false election claims from the 2020 presidential election with offensive caricatures of Black Americans.
“First of all, I think it is important to recognize that a majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling,” Obama said. “It is true that it gets attention. It is true that it is a distraction. But as I am traveling around the country, as you are traveling around the country, you meet people who still believe in decency, courtesy, and kindness.”
The video, now removed from Trump’s Truth Social account, used animation inspired by The Lion King, showing characters dancing to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and ending with a depiction of the Obamas as apes. While no apes appear in the original Disney story, the animation leveraged racist tropes that have historically been used to demean Black individuals. White House officials confirmed the post was not authorized and was taken down after it came to their attention.
Obama also addressed what he sees as a troubling trend in modern social media and political communication.
“There is this sort of clown show happening on social media and on television,” he explained. “What is true is that there does not seem to be any shame among people who used to feel like you had to have some sense of decorum, propriety, or respect for the office. That sense has been lost.”
The former president’s remarks highlight the continuing tension between online platforms, political figures, and public expectations of dignity and responsibility. Critics have argued that content like Trump’s AI video undermines constructive debate and fuels racial division.
As social media continues to play an increasingly central role in politics, the Obama response serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and respect, even in heated partisan debates.
