Congressional Black Caucus Chair Condemns Trump's 'Bigoted and Racist' Post on Obamas

Rep. Yvette Clarke says the White House's shifting responses show a 'toxic and racist climate' that is 'beneath all of us'.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Yvette Clarke, strongly criticized President Donald Trump for posting a racist video depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as primates in the jungle. Clarke said the White House's shifting responses, from dismissing 'fake outrage' to blaming a staff member, demonstrate a 'bigoted and racist regime' that is 'beneath all of us' as a country.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing racial tensions and divisiveness that have characterized the Trump administration, which has frequently been accused of promoting racist rhetoric and policies. As the country celebrates important milestones, such as the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, this episode underscores the need for greater racial unity and understanding.

The details

The racist video was posted on President Trump's social media account and depicted the Obamas as primates in the jungle. The White House initially dismissed the 'fake outrage' over the video, then deleted the post and blamed a staff member. Trump later told reporters that 'I didn't make a mistake' and claimed no one saw the offensive part of the video before it was posted.

  • The video was posted on President Trump's social media account on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • The video was deleted later that same day.

The players

Rep. Yvette Clarke

The chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, a group of more than 60 Black House and Senate members.

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who posted the racist video on his social media account.

Former President Barack Obama

The former President of the United States, who was depicted as a primate in the racist video posted by President Trump.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States, who was also depicted as a primate in the racist video posted by President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“It's very clear that there was an intent to harm people, to hurt people, with this video.”

— Rep. Yvette Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (The Associated Press)

“As my mother would say, 'Too late. Mercy's gone.'”

— Rep. Yvette Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (The Associated Press)

“We're dealing with a bigoted and racist regime. … Every week we are, as the American people, put in a position where we have to respond to something very cruel or something extremely off-putting that this administration does. It's a part of their M.O. at this point.”

— Rep. Yvette Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The Congressional Black Caucus has not received any outreach from the White House regarding the incident, and Rep. Clarke says the administration has an opportunity to 'change course' and contain the harm being done.

The takeaway

This episode underscores the deep racial divisions and tensions that have persisted during the Trump administration, and the need for greater leadership and unity to address systemic racism and promote healing in the country.