An apparently AI-generated video showing Barack Obama and Michelle Obama portrayed as apes has been shared on Donald Trump’s verified Truth Social account, sparking anger online and renewed concerns about how artificial intelligence is being used in political media.
The clip appeared overnight in a longer video post focused on alleged voting machine issues. In the final seconds of the video, a short segment flashes up showing the Obamas depicted as apes dancing in a jungle setting, with music playing in the background.
The post has triggered immediate backlash, with critics calling it racist and demanding public condemnation.
What did Trump’s Truth Social account actually share?
The video posted on Trump’s account was roughly one minute long and appeared to focus mainly on claims about election-related voting machine irregularities.
However, the controversy centres on the final moment of the clip, where a two-second AI-style insert appears to show Barack and Michelle Obama as apes dancing in a jungle scene.
Disgusting behavior by the President.
Every single Republican must denounce this. Now. https://t.co/X09h1mcj74
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 6, 2026
The content looked edited and carried watermarks linked to an online account known for sharing political meme-style content. The clip has been described by critics as offensive and dehumanising.
Why are people calling the video racist?
Many political commentators and social media users have condemned the clip for portraying Black people as apes, which has a long history tied to racist propaganda and discrimination.
Even though the video was short, critics argue that the imagery is not harmless satire. Instead, they say it reinforces racist stereotypes and encourages a hateful political culture.
The reaction has been especially strong because the video involved a US President and First Lady who remain globally recognised public figures.
Did Donald Trump personally post or approve the Obama clip?
At this stage, it is not confirmed whether Trump personally uploaded the video or whether it was shared by a member of his team managing his Truth Social activity.
The post appeared among a rapid stream of other uploads on Trump’s account, including unrelated viral-style content, which has added to speculation that the account may have been reposting material without reviewing it fully.
The White House has reportedly been contacted for comment, but no official explanation has been confirmed publicly.
Who has condemned the Truth Social post?
The clip has drawn criticism from Trump’s opponents and public figures, including politicians who have called it “disgusting” and urged Republicans to denounce it publicly.
One prominent Democratic governor stated that every Republican should condemn the post immediately, calling it unacceptable behaviour from a sitting President.
Critics argue the incident is part of a wider pattern of inflammatory online political content being normalised through official accounts.
How does this connect to wider concerns about AI and misinformation?
This incident comes at a time when governments and election watchdogs worldwide are warning about the dangers of AI-generated misinformation.
AI tools can now create convincing videos, audio, and images in minutes. Experts have warned that deepfake-style media can:
- mislead voters
- damage reputations
- fuel hatred and conspiracy thinking
- Weaken trust in democratic processes
Even when content is clearly exaggerated, critics say it still spreads quickly and shapes public opinion before platforms can react.
Why should the UK public pay attention to the trump obama controversy?
Although this incident happened in the United States, it still matters in the UK because political misinformation spreads internationally at speed.
Many UK voters already consume US political content through social media platforms like X, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. Viral AI clips created for American politics often circulate in Britain within hours.
The UK also faces its own concerns over online political manipulation, especially during election periods and major national debates.
This incident may strengthen calls for tougher rules around political advertising, digital deepfakes, and platform responsibility.
What kind of content has Trump’s account posted before?
Trump’s Truth Social account has previously shared meme-style posts and controversial political content that critics have labelled offensive or racially insensitive.
While supporters often describe such posts as humour or political trolling, opponents argue that it contributes to division and normalises racism in mainstream political messaging.
This latest clip has intensified that argument because it appeared in a post shared by a verified presidential account.
