Obama Condemns Racist Video Shared by Trump

Former president speaks out against offensive depiction of him and Michelle as apes

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former US President Barack Obama has indirectly addressed a racist video posted on President Donald Trump's social media, telling a podcast host that the 'shame' and 'decorum' that once guided public officials is now lost. The offensive video included a clip depicting Obama and his wife Michelle as apes, which drew widespread criticism from Democrats and Republicans.

Why it matters

The video represents a troubling erosion of political discourse, with public figures increasingly engaging in cruel and dehumanizing rhetoric. As the first Black president, Obama's comments highlight the continued prevalence of racist tropes and the need for greater civility and respect in the public sphere.

The details

The clip, which was included in a video Trump's Truth Social account shared containing unfounded claims about voter fraud, was widely condemned as racist. Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican senator, described it as 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House'. The White House initially defended the video, calling backlash 'fake outrage', before later blaming it on a staff member and deleting the post.

  • The offensive video was posted on President Trump's social media on February 15, 2026.
  • Obama addressed the video in a podcast interview released on February 18, 2026.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who was the first Black person to hold the office.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who shared the racist video on his social media platform.

Tim Scott

The only Black Republican senator, who condemned the video as 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House'.

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What they’re saying

“It's important to recognise that the majority of the American people find this behaviour deeply troubling.”

— Barack Obama, Former President (Podcast interview)

“There's this sort of clown show that's happening in social media and on television, and what is true is that there doesn't seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? That's been lost.”

— Barack Obama, Former President (Podcast interview)

What’s next

The Biden administration has condemned the video and called for a return to civility in political discourse. Lawmakers from both parties have also expressed outrage and called for accountability.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing racism and restoring a sense of decency and respect in American politics. As the first Black president, Obama's comments underscore the need for greater empathy, understanding, and commitment to democratic norms among public officials.