Trump Deletes Video Containing Racist Clip Portraying Obamas as Apes
U.S. president Donald Trump has removed a video from his social media platform after it drew widespread condemnation for containing a racist clip that depicted former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.
The video, which circulated briefly before being taken down, prompted immediate backlash from civil rights groups, political leaders, and social media users, who described the imagery as overtly racist and dehumanizing. Critics said the clip echoed long-standing racist tropes historically used against Black Americans.
Trump did not appear in the video himself, but it was shared from his account, raising questions about oversight and intent. Following the backlash, the video was deleted without a detailed public explanation. A spokesperson later said the post had been removed after concerns were raised about its content.
Democratic lawmakers and advocacy organizations accused Trump of once again amplifying racist material, arguing that such actions contribute to polarization and normalize hate speech. “This kind of content is not accidental, and it has real-world consequences,” said one civil rights advocate.
Supporters of Trump dismissed the controversy, with some claiming the post was shared unintentionally or without full review. However, critics countered that figures with large platforms have a responsibility to vet content before amplifying it.
The incident adds to a long list of controversies involving Trump and accusations of racially inflammatory rhetoric. It also comes as social media platforms and political figures face renewed scrutiny over how extremist or hateful content spreads online, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
As of now, Trump has not issued a direct personal apology regarding the video, but the removal has done little to quiet criticism, with many calling for clearer accountability and stronger content controls.
