Quickpost | Washington, DC
US President Donald Trump has refused to apologise after sharing a racist video targeting former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, triggering widespread outrage across the United States. The video was posted on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, and was removed roughly 12 hours later following intense backlash.
The controversial clip depicted the Obamas’ faces digitally altered onto the bodies of monkeys, set to the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight, while also referencing conspiracy theories related to the 2020 US election. Civil rights groups and political leaders described the video as overtly racist and deeply offensive.
“I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong,” Says Trump
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump confirmed he had approved the post but claimed he had not watched the entire video.
“I saw the beginning. Nobody checked the ending. I didn’t do anything wrong,” Trump said.
Earlier, the White House had attempted to deflect responsibility by calling it a “staff error,” but Trump later rejected calls for an apology outright.
GOP Silence Draws Criticism
The near-total silence from senior Republican leadership has become a major point of controversy. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and several top GOP figures declined to comment publicly.
Only a handful of Republicans broke ranks:
- New York Congressman Mike Lawler called the video “deeply offensive” and urged Trump to apologise.
- South Carolina Senator Tim Scott said, “This is the most racist thing I’ve seen come out of this White House.”
Democrats Condemn the Post
Democratic leaders framed the incident as part of a long-standing pattern of racial provocation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said the video was “not just offensive, but dangerous.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries described the Republican leadership’s silence as a “moral failure.”
A Familiar Pattern
Political analysts say the episode aligns with Trump’s past controversies, including promotion of the “birther” conspiracy against Obama, inflammatory rhetoric toward Black leaders, and repeated attacks on minority communities.
Before being taken down, the video garnered thousands of likes and shares, highlighting the continued mobilisation of Trump’s core supporter base. At the same time, critics argue it raises renewed concerns about his fitness for office—particularly amid the apparent unwillingness of GOP leadership to challenge him.
Sources:
CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, Associated Press
