A single Truth Social post—up for only a few hours—sparked bipartisan condemnation and forced the Trump White House to explain who really controls the president’s online megaphone.
Story Snapshot
- A video posted on President Trump’s Truth Social account depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, a trope widely condemned as racist.
- The post stayed up for about five hours before being deleted, after public backlash and criticism from both parties.
- The White House initially dismissed the outrage as “fake” and framed the post as an “internet meme,” then shifted to blaming an unnamed staffer.
- Republican Sen. Tim Scott and other GOP figures publicly criticized the post, adding pressure for accountability and clearer controls.
What Was Posted, How Long It Stayed Up, and Why It Matters
A video shared from a pro-MAGA meme account appeared on President Donald Trump’s Truth Social feed depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. According to the reporting, the clip also included 2020 election conspiracy messaging and framed Trump as a “King of the Jungle” figure with political opponents cast as characters. The post remained visible for roughly five hours before being deleted.
The timing intensified the story. The post surfaced the same day Trump spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast about national unity and “rededicating America as one nation under God,” creating a stark contrast between the administration’s public message and a piece of viral internet content seen by critics as dehumanizing. Even supporters who prioritize policy wins understand the political reality: in 2026, opponents seize on moments like this to discredit the broader agenda.
White House Messaging Shift: From “Fake Outrage” to “Staffer Did It”
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially defended the situation by labeling the backlash “fake” and describing the content as an “internet meme.” That framing did not hold once criticism spread and more leaders weighed in. The White House later confirmed an unnamed staffer was responsible for posting it, while also acknowledging that only a limited number of aides have access to the account. No public details were provided about discipline or policy changes.
This sequence—first dismissing concerns, then attributing the post to an aide—left unanswered questions that matter in any administration, especially one promising competence after years of Biden-era chaos. Social media is not a side show when it can trigger international headlines, dominate news cycles, and distract from legislative priorities. Limited access helps, but limited access also makes accountability more concrete, not less.
Condemnation Came From Republicans Too, Not Just the Usual Critics
Democrats condemned the post, but the political significance increased when Republicans spoke up. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina described it as the “most racist thing” he had seen come out of the White House, according to the report. Other GOP figures also criticized it, signaling a refusal—at least publicly—to normalize racialized political trolling as “just memes.” That split matters because it shows reputational risk inside the coalition.
Outside politics, faith and civic voices also weighed in. Bishop Daniel E. Garcia said he was glad the post was removed but called it “egregious” and warned against emulating evil. Grant Jones of the Knights of Peter Claver criticized “continual dehumanization” as inappropriate and disappointing. These statements underscore a point many conservative voters share: you can fight progressive ideology without abandoning basic decency or handing the Left an easy talking point.
Pastor Mark Burns Says Trump Denied Posting and Was Warned About the Racist Trope
Pastor Mark Burns, identified as a Trump adviser, said he confronted the president about the post and explained the long history of depicting Black Americans as apes as a white supremacist tactic. Burns reported that Trump assured him he did not post it and understood why it was offensive, and Burns urged firing the staffer and issuing a public condemnation. The available reporting does not confirm an apology or a firing.
Awww, he has a mad AND a sad.
BRO … Get a Room! John Brennan's Trump/Obama Meme Meltdown Turns Into Hilarious CRINGE-Fest (Watch)https://t.co/iteZXJ5ppr pic.twitter.com/hsuuSnMBrH
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) February 9, 2026
The unresolved part of the story is what happens next. The post is gone, but the episode highlights a governance challenge: who is authorized to publish on the president’s account, what review exists (if any), and what discipline follows when a staff mistake or sabotage creates national fallout. With limited sourcing beyond the single report, it is not possible to verify internal deliberations or identify the staffer. What is clear is that rapid accountability would reduce distractions and keep focus on policy battles voters care about.
Sources:
Inexcusable: Trump account posts, deletes ‘blatantly racist’ depiction of Obamas
