Obama Criticizes 'Clown Show' of Trump-Era Politics

Former president calls for return to decency and respect for institutions amid divisive rhetoric

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a podcast interview, former President Barack Obama criticized the rhetoric and behavior of the current Trump administration, describing American politics as a "clown show" that has lost a sense of decorum and respect for democratic institutions. Obama pushed back against the administration's posting of a racist video depicting him and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, and urged a return to civility and kindness in political discourse.

Why it matters

Obama's comments highlight the deep partisan divisions and erosion of democratic norms that have characterized American politics in recent years, with the former president warning against replicating the "slash and burn" tactics of the opposing party. His remarks underscore the challenges facing efforts to restore a sense of unity and shared purpose in the country.

The details

In the interview, Obama criticized the Trump administration's rhetoric and actions, including the posting of a racist video on the president's Truth Social account that briefly depicted the Obamas as apes. The White House blamed a staffer for the "erroneous" post, which was later taken down. Obama argued that the majority of Americans find such behavior "deeply troubling" and called for a return to "decency, courtesy, [and] kindness" in political discourse.

  • The controversial video was posted on President Trump's Truth Social account earlier this month.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who served from 2009 to 2017.

Donald Trump

The 45th and current President of the United States, who took office in 2017.

Michelle Obama

The wife of former President Barack Obama, who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling.”

— Barack Obama, Former President (No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen)

“There's this sort of clown show that's happening on 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? So that's been lost.”

— Barack Obama, Former President (No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen)

The takeaway

Obama's comments underscore the deep partisan divisions and erosion of democratic norms that have characterized American politics in recent years, with the former president warning against replicating the "slash and burn" tactics of the opposing party and urging a return to civility and respect for institutions.