Trump Sparks Outrage with Racist Video Mocking Obama

Former president's racist depiction draws bipartisan condemnation

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump sparked significant controversy on social media after he posted a video on his Truth Social platform that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, a racist trope with historical use to dehumanize Black people. The video, which featured the song 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' playing in the background, was quickly taken down after widespread outrage from political figures across the spectrum, including Republican senators.

Why it matters

Trump's latest attack on the Obamas is part of a long history of the former president making racist and derogatory comments about the first Black president and his family. This incident highlights the ongoing divisiveness and racial tensions in American politics, as well as the potential for social media platforms to be used to spread harmful misinformation and propaganda.

The details

According to reports, the video appeared at the end of a clip promoting false claims about the 2020 election. Republican Senator Roger Wicker from Mississippi was the first to call out Trump, calling the video 'unacceptable' and saying the former president should take it down and apologize. Republican Sen. Tim Scott, who is Black and represents South Carolina, also condemned Trump's actions, saying 'Praying it was fake because it's the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House.' The White House later claimed a staffer had erroneously posted the video and that it had been taken down.

  • On Feb. 5, 2026, Trump posted the racist video on his Truth Social platform.
  • The video was taken down shortly before noon on Feb. 6, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who posted the racist video mocking the Obamas.

Barack Obama

The 44th president of the United States, who was depicted in a racist manner in the video posted by Trump.

Michelle Obama

The former first lady of the United States, who was also depicted in a racist manner in the video posted by Trump.

Roger Wicker

A Republican senator from Mississippi who was the first to condemn Trump's video, calling it 'unacceptable'.

Tim Scott

A Republican senator from South Carolina who also condemned Trump's actions, calling the video 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House'.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing racial tensions and divisiveness in American politics, as well as the potential for social media platforms to be used to spread harmful misinformation and propaganda. It also underscores the need for political leaders to condemn and refrain from making racist attacks, even against their political opponents.