California Legislature Condemns Racist White House Social Media Post

Both state Assembly and Senate pass resolutions denouncing Trump's depiction of the Obamas as apes

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The California Legislature voted last week to pass two separate resolutions condemning President Donald Trump's social media post depicting the Obamas as apes. The resolutions, authored by members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, were approved unanimously in both the state Assembly and Senate. Lawmakers stressed that the post came during Black History Month and called for an official apology to the Obamas.

Why it matters

The resolutions highlight the ongoing tensions over racism and divisive rhetoric from political leaders. The California Legislature's swift and bipartisan condemnation of the President's actions reflects the state's commitment to combating discrimination and upholding the achievements of Black Americans.

The details

Assembly House Resolution (HR 84), introduced by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, and Senate Resolution (SR) 77, presented by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, both passed with overwhelming support. Lawmakers in both chambers stressed that the post came during the centennial observance of Black History Month and had no place in American democracy. The resolutions call for an official apology to the Obamas.

  • The California State Assembly and Senate voted on the resolutions on February 9, 2026.
  • The social media post by President Trump that sparked the resolutions occurred earlier in February 2026, during Black History Month.

The players

Isaac Bryan

Assemblymember and vice chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, who introduced Assembly House Resolution 84.

Akilah Weber Pierson

Senator and chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, who presented Senate Resolution 77.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who posted the racist social media content depicting the Obamas as apes.

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States who was the target of the racist social media post.

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States who was also the target of the racist social media post.

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What they’re saying

“This imagery has no place in our country, no place in our democracy, and absolutely no place coming from the President of the United States.”

— Akilah Weber Pierson, Senator and chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (lafocusnews.com)

“To the Black children who saw Trump refer to the Obamas as apes, know that you are not bound by the bigoted imagination of a racist. You are beautiful and boundless.”

— Isaac Bryan, Assemblymember and vice chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (Instagram)

“I know that it was wrong, and I stand in solidarity with you because you deserve that respect. We understand right now that we need people to work together in this time, or we're at each other's throats.”

— David Tangipa, Republican Assemblymember (lafocusnews.com)

What’s next

The California Legislature's resolutions call for an official apology from President Trump to the Obamas, but it remains to be seen if the White House will comply.

The takeaway

The California Legislature's swift and bipartisan condemnation of the President's racist social media post reflects the state's commitment to combating discrimination and upholding the achievements of Black Americans, even in the face of divisive rhetoric from national political leaders.