Former President Barack Obama has spoken out about the racist video shared by President Donald Trump’s social media account. However, he chose not to attack Trump directly. Instead, he focused on the loss of “shame” and “decorum” in political life.
According to BBC, Obama discussed the issue on a 47-minute podcast episode with liberal host Brian Tyler Cohen. Cohen brought up how US political discourse has turned cruel. He specifically mentioned the controversy where Trump’s account posted a picture of Obama’s face on an ape’s body.
Obama called the modern political landscape a “clown show that’s happening in social media and on television.” He said this kind of behavior “gets attention” and acts as a “distraction.” He added that while traveling the country, he still meets people who “still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness.”
The loss of respect and accountability in government is alarming
Obama’s main concern was about the lack of accountability in government. “What is true is that there doesn’t seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right?” he said. “That’s been lost.” He believes the “majority of the American people find this behaviour deeply troubling.”
The video was shared on Trump’s Truth Social account. It showed both Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, similar to racist images from history. The post was set to the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight and included false claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election.
Even Republicans were angry about the post. Senator Tim Scott, the only black Republican senator, called it “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.” Reports emerged about what White House staffers said privately after the president posted the offensive content.
The White House first defended the clip, calling the backlash “fake outrage.” They later deleted the post and blamed a staff member. When reporters asked Trump about it, he said he “didn’t see” the part showing the Obamas. When asked if he would apologize, Trump refused. “I didn’t make a mistake,” he told reporters.
The podcast interview covered other topics as well. Obama discussed electoral redistricting and praised peaceful protesters who organized against immigration operations. Despite this controversy, Obama continues to stay active in politics, recently supporting a New Jersey Democrat’s gubernatorial campaign. He also talked about his presidential library, which is scheduled to open in Chicago next year.
Published: Feb 15, 2026 01:00 pm