Trump's Racist Video Post Sparks Outrage, No Apology

Former president's controversial social media activity draws bipartisan condemnation

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:40am

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An abstract, fragmented painting in bold, clashing colors depicting a blurred, distorted political symbol or figure, conveying a sense of motion, tension, and unrest.As tensions over political rhetoric escalate, a recent wave of controversial social media posts exposes the deep divisions and pent-up frustrations within the nation's political landscape.Santa Clara Today

A recent social media post by former President Donald Trump featuring a racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes has sparked outrage among top Democrats and Republicans. The video, which superimposed the faces of the former president and first lady onto the bodies of primates in a jungle setting, was quickly removed but not before drawing sharp criticism from political leaders on both sides of the aisle. Trump has refused to apologize, claiming he did not see the racist depiction despite approving an aide's sharing of the video on his account.

Why it matters

This incident has raised serious questions about the responsibility of political leaders in addressing and condemning racist content, especially when it comes from a former president. The lack of a clear and unequivocal condemnation from Republican leaders has further highlighted the divisive nature of Trump's rhetoric and the challenges in maintaining a unified front against bigotry in the political sphere.

The details

The controversial video was posted on Trump's Truth Social account, where it remained for 12 hours before being removed. Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries called for a unified front against Trump's 'disgusting bigotry', urging every Republican to denounce his actions. Only a few Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, spoke out against the video, with Scott calling it 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House'. Administration officials initially tried to downplay the outrage, defending Trump's repost as 'an internet meme video', but the former president refused to apologize, claiming he didn't see the racist depiction of the Obamas.

  • The video was posted on Trump's Truth Social account on April 12, 2026.
  • The video remained on the platform for 12 hours before being removed.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who posted the controversial video on his social media platform.

Hakeem Jeffries

The Democratic House minority leader who called for a unified front against Trump's 'disgusting bigotry'.

Tim Scott

The only Black Republican in the Senate, who spoke out against the video, calling it 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House'.

Barack Obama

The former president of the United States, whose face was superimposed onto the body of a primate in the racist video.

Michelle Obama

The former first lady of the United States, whose face was also superimposed onto the body of a primate in the racist video.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.