Washington (AP) — A recent social media post by President Donald Trump, which featured a racist video of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, has sparked significant backlash from political leaders. Following the post, the White House provided a series of responses, initially dismissing criticism as 'fake outrage' before deleting the video and attributing its publication to a staff member's error. In remarks to reporters, Trump maintained that he didn't make a mistake, claiming that the controversial imagery wasn't seen by anyone before the post went live.
Rep. Yvette Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, condemned the video, stating, 'It’s very clear that there was an intent to harm people, to hurt people, with this video.' Reflecting on the broader implications, she asserted, 'We are dealing with a bigoted and racist regime... It’s part of their M.O. at this point.' Clarke's critique highlights the impact such messages may have on younger generations about leadership and race.
The incident adds to the turbulent political atmosphere as the 2026 elections approach. Amidst escalating controversies, Clarke noted the absence of outreach from the White House to the Congressional Black Caucus, underscoring a potential lack of sincerity in addressing the issues raised by the video. Observing that Trump typically avoids retraction, she suggested that his recent action was more politically motivated than based on any moral consideration. The video remained online for several hours, raising questions about the environment surrounding Trump's administration and its implications for American democracy.
Rep. Yvette Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, condemned the video, stating, 'It’s very clear that there was an intent to harm people, to hurt people, with this video.' Reflecting on the broader implications, she asserted, 'We are dealing with a bigoted and racist regime... It’s part of their M.O. at this point.' Clarke's critique highlights the impact such messages may have on younger generations about leadership and race.
The incident adds to the turbulent political atmosphere as the 2026 elections approach. Amidst escalating controversies, Clarke noted the absence of outreach from the White House to the Congressional Black Caucus, underscoring a potential lack of sincerity in addressing the issues raised by the video. Observing that Trump typically avoids retraction, she suggested that his recent action was more politically motivated than based on any moral consideration. The video remained online for several hours, raising questions about the environment surrounding Trump's administration and its implications for American democracy.
