POLITICS

Obama criticises Truth Social clip amid wider backlash

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 67%

Right 33%

Sources: 7

Washington: Former US president Barack Obama addressed a video posted on President Donald Trump's Truth Social account that briefly depicted him and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. The clip, posted on Feb 5 and later removed, accompanied a longer video promoting disputed claims about the 2020 election. White House officials attributed the image to a staff error and removed the post after cross-party criticism. Obama, speaking on Brian Tyler Cohen's podcast this week, said the episode reflects a devolution of political discourse and called the rhetoric "deeply troubling." Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research publicly available.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Feb 5, 2026: President Trump posted a Truth Social video that briefly depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.
Feb 5–6, 2026: The post was removed; the White House said the inclusion resulted from an erroneous staff action.
Feb 6–8, 2026: Media outlets and political figures across the spectrum criticised the post and press coverage expanded.
Feb 15, 2026: Obama discussed the incident on Brian Tyler Cohen's podcast, calling the rhetoric deeply troubling and noting a devolution of discourse.
Feb 15–16, 2026: Multiple international and domestic outlets published summaries, commentary, and further reporting on reactions and implications.