Trump Lashes Out at GOP Lawmakers Over Racist Video Blowback

The president complained to allies about Republicans who condemned the video, questioning their loyalty and vowing consequences.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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President Donald Trump privately lashed out at Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Tim Scott and Sen. Katie Britt, over their criticism of a racist video he posted on Truth Social depicting the Obamas as apes. Trump complained to allies about the GOP condemnation, questioning their loyalty and vowing consequences. The White House initially defended the video before removing it hours later amid the Republican backlash.

Why it matters

This episode marks one of the starkest GOP breaks from the president ahead of the 2026 midterms, reflecting Trump's frustration with moments where his party has bucked him, such as on key policy votes. It also raises questions about the president's handling of racist content and his relationship with Republican lawmakers.

The details

Trump spent last weekend at Mar-a-Lago complaining to allies about Republicans who had condemned the racist video, including Sen. Tim Scott and Sen. Katie Britt. He argued one of his top congressional allies, Scott, was out of line to call his White House racist, and used expletives to denounce Britt, declaring she was 'dead to him.' The White House initially defended the video before removing it nearly 12 hours later, only after the blowback from some top Republicans.

  • The video was posted on Trump's Truth Social account last weekend.
  • The White House removed the video nearly 12 hours after it was posted, following the Republican backlash.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who posted the racist video on Truth Social and privately lashed out at Republican lawmakers who condemned it.

Tim Scott

The sole Black Republican senator and chair of the Senate GOP's campaign arm, who condemned the video and called the White House racist.

Katie Britt

The Alabama senator who applauded the removal of the video, saying it 'should have never been posted to begin with.'

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What they’re saying

“Praying it was fake because it's the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House. The President should remove it.”

— Tim Scott, U.S. Senator (X)

“This video should have never been posted to begin with, and is not who we are as a nation.”

— Katie Britt, U.S. Senator (Statement)

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.