Barack Obama Condemns Trump's Racist Video as 'Deeply Troubling' Behavior
Former President Barack Obama has issued a measured yet firm response to a racist video shared by current President Donald Trump, which depicted Obama and his wife Michelle Obama as apes. In an interview published Saturday with liberal influencer Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama labeled the behavior of MAGA supporters as "deeply troubling" and highlighted a concerning shift in political discourse.
A Disturbing Shift in Political Norms
During the interview, Obama was asked to weigh in on how conservative rhetoric that would have been "disqualifying just a few years ago" now feels acceptable and even rewarded. He pointed to specific instances, including Vice President JD Vance's statement that "you don't have to apologize for being white anymore" and Trump's now-deleted infamous ape post on Truth Social.
The video, which has since been removed, sparked backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. However, President Trump refused to apologize for uploading it, instead claiming it was posted by a staffer who faced no disciplinary action and that he had not seen the racist imagery portion.
Obama's Call for Decency and Hope
"It's important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling," Obama stated. He added that while such actions serve as a distraction, many Americans still value decency, courtesy, and kindness. "There's this sort of clown show that's happening in social media and on television," he remarked, noting a loss of shame among those who once upheld decorum and respect for office.
Despite this, Obama expressed optimism, asserting that a majority of Americans disapprove of the administration's behavior. He commended grassroots responses, such as protests in Minnesota against aggressive immigration crackdowns and the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, as examples of civic engagement.
"In a systematic, organized way, citizens are saying this is not the America we believe in, and we're going to fight back," Obama said. He praised the heroic sustained behavior of ordinary people in sub-zero weather, using truth, cameras, and peaceful protests to oppose actions reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, offering a beacon of hope for the nation.
