Trump Faces Backlash Over Racist Video Clip of Obamas

President's usual strategy of doubling down on controversies fails to quell bipartisan criticism this time.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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President Donald Trump faced widespread criticism, including from members of his own party, after posting a racist video clip depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. The White House initially dismissed the criticism as "fake outrage" over an internet meme, but was forced to take down the post and blame an unnamed staffer after the backlash intensified. While Trump did not apologize, he said he did not realize the clip was racist. This incident highlights how Trump is not always immune to political consequences, even as he often skates through controversies that would sink other politicians.

Why it matters

Trump's posting of the racist video clip represents a rare moment where the president faced significant bipartisan backlash, underscoring the limits of his ability to avoid political consequences for his actions. This incident could erode Trump's support among key voting blocs like the Black and Hispanic communities that the Republican Party has long struggled to reach.

The details

In the video clip posted by Trump, the Obamas were depicted as apes, which many condemned as a racist depiction. The White House initially dismissed the criticism as "fake outrage" over an internet meme, but was forced to take down the post and blame an unnamed staffer after the backlash intensified. While Trump did not apologize, he said he did not realize the clip was racist.

  • On Friday, February 9, 2026, Trump posted the racist video clip on his social media feed while traveling on Air Force One.
  • By midday on Friday, the White House had taken the post down and blamed an unknown "staffer" for the mishap.
  • By the evening on Friday, Trump said he did not realize the clip of the Obamas had been spliced into the end of the video.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, known for frequently shattering political and legal norms with few obvious consequences.

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who was depicted in a racist manner in the video clip posted by Trump.

Michelle Obama

The wife of former President Barack Obama, who was also depicted in a racist manner in the video clip posted by Trump.

Tim Scott

The sole Black Republican in the U.S. Senate and one of Trump's close allies, who called the clip "the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House."

Chris Christie

The former governor of New Jersey and one of Trump's fiercest critics among Republicans.

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What they’re saying

“It is surprising, in itself, to ever see him take a step back to do anything other than, in the moment, double down and triple down, so in that sense it is surprising; it feels significant.”

— Jeff Shesol, Historian and former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton, partner at West Wing Writers (The New York Times)

“President Trump is the unequivocal leader of the Republican Party and anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (The New York Times)

“What Trump does not understand is that political gravity is political gravity no matter who you are and how dominant you've been.”

— Chris Christie, Former Governor of New Jersey (The New York Times)

“He's losing that. He's now going to burn those gains to the ground.”

— Barrett Marson, Republican Strategist (The New York Times)

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.