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Trump Obama:GOP Leaders Demand Trump Apology After Racist Obama Video Sparks Backlash
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Trump Obama:GOP Leaders Demand Trump Apology After Racist Obama Video Sparks Backlash
Republican leaders are calling on President Donald Trump to issue a public apology after he shared—and later deleted—a racially offensive video depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as gorillas. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from both Republicans and Democrats, intensifying political tensions in Washington.
What Was in the Controversial Video:Trump Obama
The video was posted late Thursday night on Trump’s Truth Social account while the president was sharing multiple posts that revived conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 presidential election. The clip included an unrelated segment in which the faces of Barack and Michelle Obama appeared digitally superimposed onto dancing apes, set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Although the video was deleted by around 12 p.m. EST on Friday, screenshots had already circulated widely across social media platforms, fueling outrage.
White House Response and Explanation:Trump Obama
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to downplay the controversy, stating the video originated from an internet meme portraying Trump as the “King of the Jungle” and Democrats as characters inspired by The Lion King. She dismissed the backlash as “fake outrage” and urged the media to focus on issues that “actually matter to the American public.”
However, critics quickly noted that gorillas do not play prominent roles in Disney’s Lion King, undermining the explanation. Multiple unnamed White House officials later told reporters that a staff member mistakenly posted the video to Trump’s account.
Leavitt also confirmed that the original clip depicted Trump as a lion and portrayed other prominent Democrats—including Vice President Kamala Harris, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and actress Whoopi Goldberg—as wild animals. Trump reportedly reposted the video a second time alongside claims about alleged election system rigging involving Dominion and Smartmatic, assertions that have been repeatedly debunked.
Republican Leaders Condemn the Video
The video drew swift and rare criticism from within Trump’s own party. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the Senate’s only Black Republican, labeled the clip “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House” and called for its immediate removal.
Other Republican leaders echoed that sentiment:
- Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) described the video as “totally unacceptable.”
- Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) said “any reasonable person sees the racist context.”
- Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) called it “wrong and incredibly offensive.”
Several GOP lawmakers went further, urging Trump to apologize publicly. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) described the depiction of the Obamas as “offensive, heartbreaking, and unacceptable,” while Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) labeled the post a “grave failure of judgment” and demanded a “clear and unequivocal apology.”
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also weighed in, calling the video “appalling” and expressing full agreement with Sen. Scott’s criticism.
Democrats Denounce ‘Racist and Dangerous’ Content
Democratic leaders responded with fierce condemnation. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office reposted an image of the video on X, writing that the president’s behavior was “disgusting” and demanding that “every single Republican must denounce this.”
Former Obama administration official Ben Rhodes said the post should serve as a lasting stain on Trump’s legacy, arguing that future generations would remember the Obamas as respected figures while viewing Trump negatively.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the clip “racist, vile, and abhorrent,” warning that it “degrades our country and is dangerous.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who also appeared in the video, described Trump as “vile and unhinged” and urged Republicans to speak out against what he called “disgusting bigotry.”
Political Fallout Continues:Trump Obama
As of Friday afternoon, Trump has not personally apologized, and the White House has not announced any disciplinary action related to the post. The incident has renewed concerns over Trump’s use of social media, racial rhetoric, and the broader implications for political discourse in the United States.
With pressure mounting from both sides of the aisle, the controversy is likely to remain a flashpoint in an already polarized political environment.