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

Rep. Yvette Clarke says the Trump administration has a chance to change course but is 'hardwired' for racism and bigotry.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), strongly condemned a racist video posted on President Trump's social media account depicting former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. Clarke said the White House's shifting responses, from dismissing 'fake outrage' to blaming a staff member, show a 'bigoted and racist regime' that has an opportunity to change but is 'hardwired' for hatred.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing racial tensions and divisiveness that have characterized the Trump presidency, with the Congressional Black Caucus chair accusing the administration of promoting a 'toxic and racist climate.' It also raises questions about the White House's commitment to addressing racism and its impact on Black Americans, especially young people.

The details

The racist video was posted on President Trump's social media account and remained there for 12 hours before being deleted. The White House initially dismissed the outrage as 'fake' before blaming a staff member and then having Trump claim he didn't see the offensive part of the video before it was posted.

  • The video was posted on President Trump's social media account on Friday morning.
  • The video was deleted from the President's account later that 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 Republican president who posted the racist video on his social media account.

Former President Barack Obama

The former Democratic president who was depicted as an ape in the racist video.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama

The former First Lady who was also depicted as an ape in the racist video.

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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, Congressional Black Caucus (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 MO at this point.”

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

“They don't tell the truth. If there wasn't a climate, a toxic and racist climate within the White House, we wouldn't see this type of behavior regardless of who it's coming from.”

— Rep. Yvette Clarke, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus (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 address the racial tensions it has fueled.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the deep racial divisions that have persisted under the Trump presidency, with the Congressional Black Caucus chair accusing the administration of promoting a 'bigoted and racist regime.' It raises concerns about the impact on young Black Americans and the need for the White House to meaningfully address systemic racism.