What. The. F**k.
President Donald Trump shared a blatantly racist video on Truth Social on Thursday night, depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as monkeys. Yes, he really did that. The clip begins with someone discussing alleged anomalies with the voting machines in the 2020 presidential election. After Joe Biden‘s victory, Trump claimed the election was “rigged” and stolen from him, and he continues to promote that false narrative. The man cannot accept the fact that he lost. Many of us know that, so it is not surprising to see that part of the video.
Related: Bill & Hillary Clinton Agree To Testify Before Congress Over Epstein Files!
For about a few seconds at the end of the clip, however, there’s a shocking and disturbing image. The Obamas appear on screen with their heads on the bodies of apes in the jungle while The Lion Sleeps Tonight from The Lion King plays in the background. Absolutely vile and disgusting. And this is coming during Black History Month, too. Trump should be ashamed of himself for his racist behavior.
People have stormed social media to call out the president’s actions, saying:
“This is outrageous. Posting a racist image of the Obamas during Black History Month is unacceptable and must be called out. There’s no excuse for this kind of behavior, and it’s important we hold people accountable. Disgusting and deeply disappointing”
“He needs removal now no talks no meetings no nothing but removal what a disgrace”
“I refuse to repost the racist garbage this manchild shared. But let’s be clear, he will crawl to the bottom of the gutter to distract from the Epstein files because Trump KNOWS what he’s done. It’s haunting him. The lies, the chaos, the hate and division, it’s all intentional. Congress allowing him to continue to lead our country is a disgrace. Do your jobs, impeach him or invoke the 25th Amendment. Turn the heat ALL the way up on this administration. RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES!”
“Trump is doing this with impunity now… because he sees that NOBODY is challenging him!! It’s disgusting!!! Imagine this scenario was flipped to a democrat posting something of similar context… Republicans and MAGA mad hatters would be calling for the death penalty!!! Seriously USA, watching on from Ireland and I can’t understand why nothing is being done??!!!’”
“Posting a video of the Obamas as monkeys by president Trump must be condemned. It demeans the office of the president and perpetuates long used vulgar tropes against African Americans. There is no place in politics or civil society for it. @realDonaldTrump you need to do better”
“This disgusting video posted by Trump on Truth Social showing the Obamas as monkeys is a racist, vile, dehumanizing trope rooted in hatred. Trump’s growing desperation clearly shows — America rejects this bigotry.”
Ben Rhodes, a former deputy national security adviser for Obama, slammed Trump:
“Let it haunt Trump and his racist followers that future Americans will embrace the Obamas as beloved figures while studying him as a stain on our history.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom even wrote:
“Disgusting behavior by the President. Every single Republican must denounce this. Now.”
However, you will not find Trump or anyone in his administration offering up an apology. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt DEFENDED him to multiple media outlets following the backlash on Friday, saying:
“This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King. Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.”
Karoline Leavitt on Trump’s Truth Social post depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes:
“This is from an internet meme video… Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.” pic.twitter.com/P7cv9u94r8
— Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) February 6, 2026
Nothing is fake about this outrage. Being decent and human does matter to the American public.
Let us reiterate. The president sharing an extremely racist post is something that matters to the public. There is nothing “fake” about the outrage people are feeling right now. What he did should be called out and condemned.
Trump should apologize and condemn racism himself. But if Karoline wants to discuss something else that also matters to the public, let’s talk about the Epstein files. Because it is as clear as day that the only reason this horrible post was shared is to distract from all the millions of documents that dropped featuring thousands of mentions about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, along with allegations of child rape and more.
Trump has made it clear this week that he wants to move on from the files, insisting that it is all a “conspiracy” perpetrated by “Epstein and other people.” That he is “absolved” of any wrongdoing. *Insert eye roll here* He added:
“I think it’s time now for the country to maybe get onto something else, like health care. Something that people care about.”
That would be very convenient for Trump, right?
If we all forget and move on instead of talking about the fact that he — and many linked to him — are mentioned in these files thousands of times, getting accused of heinous acts. He wouldn’t have to explain himself then. And what’s crazy about everything? He is so desperate to divert attention away from the topic that he would rather be known as a racist. That says a lot, doesn’t it?
At this time, Michelle and Barack have not reacted to the video. What are your thoughts, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments (below).
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For more information on violence against women, go to https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and would like to learn more about resources, consider checking out https://www.rainn.org/resources.
[Image via MEGA/WENN, Jimmy Kimmel Live/The Pivot Podcast/YouTube]
