Trump Dipicts Obama and Michelle as Apes on Truth Social
Trump dipicts Obama and Michelle as Apes on Truth Social, igniting a fierce social media storm after a controversial AI-generated video portraying the former First Family as primates was shared on President Donald Trump’s official Truth Social account. The post, which quickly went viral, has sparked widespread condemnation, renewed discussions on political racism, and intensified scrutiny of AI-generated political content in the digital age.
Truth Social Controversy Erupts Over AI-Generated Video
The Truth Social controversy began on Friday, February 6, 2026, when users noticed a reposted video on the verified @RealDonaldTrump account. The clip, originally created by digital artist @XERIAS, used artificial intelligence and animation to depict prominent political figures in a stylised “Lion King” jungle hierarchy.
Within hours, the video gained massive traction, drawing millions of views and reactions before it was eventually removed following public backlash. Despite the deletion, screenshots and reposts continued circulating across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, ensuring the controversy remained firmly in the public eye.
What the AI-Generated Political Video Shows
The AI-generated political video uses symbolic animal imagery to represent major US political figures:
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Barack and Michelle Obama are depicted as apes/baboons, a portrayal that critics argue echoes deeply racist historical stereotypes.
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Joe Biden, the former president, appears as a baboon.
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Vice President Kamala Harris is shown as a tortoise.
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Donald Trump appears as a lion, positioned as the “King of the Jungle,” with other animals seemingly bowing in submission.
The most controversial moment — and the reason Trump dipicts Obama and Michelle as Apes on Truth Social became a trending keyphrase — is the portrayal of the Obamas as primates, which many viewers described as offensive and dehumanising.
Trump Obama Racist Imagery Sparks National Backlash
Civil rights groups, political leaders, and media commentators were quick to condemn the post, describing it as Trump Obama racist imagery that crosses a moral and ethical line. Critics argue that portraying Black public figures as primates carries historical baggage tied to colonialism and white supremacy.
Prominent voices from both major US political parties condemned the video, calling it “racist,” “disgusting,” and “unacceptable in modern political discourse.” Several Democratic lawmakers demanded a formal apology, while some Republicans distanced themselves from the imagery, warning that it could alienate moderate voters.
White House Response and ‘Staffer’ Explanation
In response to the growing US political social media backlash, White House insiders offered multiple explanations:
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The Staffer Defense: Sources claimed President Trump did not personally review the video and that it was mistakenly reposted by a staff member managing the account.
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Press Secretary Response: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the outrage as “fake outrage,” describing the video as a “common internet meme” taken out of context.
These explanations failed to calm critics, who argued that responsibility ultimately lies with the account holder — especially when the account belongs to the President of the United States.
Social Media Platforms React to Truth Social Controversy
The incident further intensified debates around content moderation, especially on alternative platforms like Truth Social, which promotes itself as a free-speech haven. Unlike mainstream platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, Truth Social has fewer visible content moderation policies, leading critics to question whether hate imagery is being adequately regulated.
Hashtags such as #TruthSocial, #Obama, #BreakingNews, and #PoliticalMemes trended globally as users debated whether the post constituted free expression or racial incitement.
AI and Political Manipulation in 2026
The controversy also highlights growing concerns about AI-generated political video content ahead of major elections. Experts warn that AI tools can blur the line between satire, propaganda, and hate speech, making it harder for users to distinguish intent from impact.
Media analysts argue that as AI becomes more accessible, political figures and platforms will need stricter guidelines to prevent harmful or misleading content from spreading unchecked.
Political Fallout and a Winless Run for Damage Control
As criticism mounted, the Trump camp appeared locked in a winless run of damage control efforts. Statements intended to deflect responsibility only seemed to fuel further outrage, with critics accusing the administration of minimizing the seriousness of racist depictions.
For many observers, Trump dipicts Obama and Michelle as Apes on Truth Social represents more than a single post — it reflects a broader pattern of inflammatory online rhetoric that continues to polarise the American political landscape.
Why This Moment Matters in US Political History
The backlash underscores how digital platforms now play a central role in shaping political narratives. A single repost can trigger global outrage, diplomatic discomfort, and long-term reputational damage.
As the US heads deeper into a politically charged era, incidents like this serve as a warning about the power — and danger — of combining AI technology with partisan messaging.
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Conclusion
The Truth Social uproar proves that online actions by political leaders carry real-world consequences. Whether intentional or not, the decision that led to Trump dipicts Obama and Michelle as Apes on Truth Social has reignited conversations about racism, accountability, and the responsible use of AI in politics.
As investigations, debates, and media coverage continue, one thing remains clear: the intersection of technology, politics, and social media will define the tone of democratic discourse in 2026 and beyond.
Mainstream media references
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Reuters – Trump condemns, won’t apologize for video depicting Obamas as apes
Link: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-shares-racist-video-depicting-obamas-apes-2026-02-06/ -
Sky News – Donald Trump says he didn’t make a mistake over Obamas as apes video
Link: https://news.sky.com/story/i-didnt-make-a-mistake-trump-refuses-to-apologise-after-white-house-removes-video-shared-by-president-showing-obamas-as-apes-13504107
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