Trump Posts Racist Video Depicting Obamas as Apes on Truth Social, Refuses to Apologize
President Trump posted a video on Truth Social depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, using a centuries-old racist trope against the first Black president and first lady during Black History Month. The video sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum, including from Republicans. After the post was deleted, Trump refused to apologize when questioned aboard Air Force One, stating "No, I didn't make a mistake." The White House later claimed the video was posted in error. The incident led to Rep. Al Green being escorted from the House chamber during Trump's State of the Union address on February 25 for holding a protest sign reading "Black people aren't apes!"
“No, I didn't make a mistake.” — Trump's response when questioned by reporters aboard Air Force One about whether posting the racist video was a mistake Quote verified against source
Analysis Feed
AI commentaryCritical incident documenting unprecedented presidential racism - a sitting president using dehumanizing imagery against the first Black president and first lady during Black History Month. The refusal to apologize ('No, I didn't make a mistake') demonstrates intentionality despite White House claims of error. Bipartisan condemnation and Rep. Al Green's subsequent protest at the State of the Union underscore the severity. This represents a significant escalation in the normalization of overt racism from the highest office.