Obama Slams Trump's 'Clown Show' Racist Video

Former president calls out Trump's disturbing social media posts and lack of decorum.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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In a recent interview, former President Barack Obama addressed the racist video of him and Michelle Obama posted by President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. Obama denounced the video and similar social media posts as a 'clown show' that lacks any sense of decency or respect for the office of the presidency.

Why it matters

The racist video posted by Trump is part of a broader pattern of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric from the former president, which has drawn widespread condemnation. Obama's comments highlight the erosion of norms and civility in American politics, and the need to restore a sense of decorum and respect, even among political rivals.

The details

In the 47-minute interview, Obama told political commentator Brian Taylor Cohen that while the racist video and similar social media posts get attention and serve as a distraction, the majority of Americans find this behavior 'deeply troubling.' Obama said there no longer seems to be any shame about this kind of conduct among those who used to feel the need to maintain decorum and respect for the office of the presidency.

  • The racist video of Obama was posted on Trump's Truth Social platform a little over a week ago.
  • Obama made the comments in the interview recently while traveling around the country.

The players

Barack Obama

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

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who served from 2017 to 2021 and is known for his divisive rhetoric and inflammatory social media posts.

Brian Taylor Cohen

A political commentator who interviewed Obama about Trump's racist video.

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What they’re saying

“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?”

— Barack Obama, Former President (hiphopwired.com)

“The reason I point out that I don't think the majority of the American people approve of this is because ultimately, the answer is going to come from the American people.”

— Barack Obama, Former President (hiphopwired.com)

What’s next

The racist video posted by Trump has drawn widespread condemnation, and it remains to be seen if there will be any further political or legal consequences for the former president's actions.

The takeaway

Obama's comments highlight the urgent need to restore a sense of decency, civility, and respect for democratic institutions in American politics, even among political rivals. The erosion of these norms poses a serious threat to the health of the country's democratic system.