Mike Tyson Defends Trump Amid Backlash Over Racist Obama Video

The former boxer's blind loyalty to the former president has renewed scrutiny over how much he can be bought.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Mike Tyson has come under fire for defending former President Donald Trump amid the backlash over Trump's posting of a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. Tyson, who has a long-standing relationship with Trump, framed their relationship as personal and rooted in loyalty, crediting Trump for pushing him to fight in Atlantic City at a pivotal moment in his career. However, Tyson's defense of Trump at such a volatile time has sparked criticism, with some accusing him of being bought and others questioning whether his support for Trump has gone too far.

Why it matters

Tyson's defense of Trump during the controversy over the racist video has renewed scrutiny of his relationship with the former president and the extent to which he is willing to support Trump despite the backlash. This incident highlights the complex dynamics between high-profile Black celebrities and controversial political figures, and the potential consequences of such alliances.

The details

In a recent interview, Tyson expressed his gratitude towards Trump, saying that the former president has "never been nothing but good" to him. Tyson credited Trump for pushing him to fight in Atlantic City, a move that he says helped shape his career. However, Tyson's defense of Trump came just a day after the former president posted a video depicting the Obamas as apes, which drew widespread condemnation, even from some of Trump's own allies.

  • On February 7, 2026, Tyson appeared on 'Jesse Watters Primetime' to promote his commercial ad for the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, which later aired during Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 8.
  • One day before Trump's post, Tyson expressed his support for the former president.

The players

Mike Tyson

A former heavyweight boxing champion who has a long-standing relationship with Donald Trump and has publicly defended the former president amid the backlash over his racist video.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who posted a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.

Barack Obama

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

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States who was depicted in a racist video posted by Donald Trump.

Tim Scott

A Republican senator from South Carolina who publicly urged Trump to remove the racist video featuring the Obamas.

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What they’re saying

“My whole experience with President Trump is that he's just a genuine, real person. If he's got your back, he's with you 100 percent.”

— Mike Tyson (Fox News)

“Tyson done got hit in the head one too many times.”

— Anonymous commenter (Instagram)

“To be fair Trump was one of the only people who supported Mike publicly during his r-pe trial.”

— Anonymous commenter (Instagram)

The takeaway

Tyson's defense of Trump during the controversy over the racist video has highlighted the complex dynamics between high-profile Black celebrities and controversial political figures. This incident raises questions about the extent to which Tyson is willing to support Trump despite the backlash, and the potential consequences of such alliances for public figures.