Trump Criticised After Video Showing Obamas as Apes Sparks Outrage

President Donald Trump has come under heavy criticism after sharing a controversial video on his Truth Social platform that portrayed former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.

The one-minute video, posted on Thursday, mainly focused on claims about alleged irregularities in the 2020 US presidential election. However, near the end of the clip, the Obamas briefly appeared with their faces edited onto ape bodies, accompanied by the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The imagery triggered widespread backlash online and accusations of racism.

Public Figures Condemn the Video

Several political leaders and public figures condemned the post. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the video as “disgusting behaviour,” urging Republicans to denounce it.

Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes also reacted strongly, saying Trump would be remembered as a “stain” on history and accusing his supporters of promoting racist ideas.

Other commentators, including social media influencers and public personalities, also criticised the clip, calling it offensive and inappropriate.

Trump’s History of AI-Generated Political Content

This is not the first time Trump has shared AI-generated or edited content targeting political opponents. In the past, he posted videos showing Barack Obama being arrested and mocked other Black political leaders using digitally altered imagery.

Trump has repeatedly promoted unproven claims that the 2020 election was rigged, despite multiple investigations and court rulings rejecting those allegations.

White House Responds to Backlash

The White House dismissed the criticism, calling it “fake outrage.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the video originated from an internet meme depicting Trump as the “King of the Jungle” and Democrats as characters from The Lion King.

She argued that the controversy was exaggerated and urged the media to focus on issues that matter to Americans.