US President Donald Trump has come under sharp criticism after sharing a controversial video on social media that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, triggering widespread outrage and accusations of racist and demeaning conduct.
The one-minute video was posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Thursday and largely reiterates debunked claims that Dominion Voting Systems helped rig the 2020 US presidential election against him. Near the end of the clip, the Obamas briefly appear with their faces superimposed on ape bodies, accompanied by the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” playing in the background.
Civil rights groups, political opponents, and several commentators condemned the video as “disgusting behaviour,” arguing that portraying Black public figures as apes taps into long-standing racist tropes. Critics said the imagery went beyond political provocation and crossed into overtly offensive territory, further degrading political discourse in the United States.
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The Obama family has not issued an official response to the video so far. However, Democratic leaders and advocacy groups accused Trump of using inflammatory content to energise his political base while spreading misinformation about the 2020 election, claims that have been repeatedly rejected by courts, election officials, and independent audits.
Trump, who has continued to dispute the legitimacy of the 2020 election, has frequently used social media to amplify conspiracy theories and attack political rivals. His supporters have defended the post as satire, though critics argue the racial undertones make such a defence untenable.
The incident adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Trump’s online activity, reigniting debate over the responsibilities of political leaders on social media and the impact of provocative content on public trust, racial harmony, and democratic norms.
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