Barack Obama has spoken out following an incident where President Donald Trump shared—and subsequently deleted—a social media video that depicted both Obama and his wife, Michelle, as apes. This post stirred up a storm of criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, bringing to light the existing tensions between these two political figures.
On a recent interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, the 44th president shared his thoughts on the matter and criticized what he described as unsettling actions by the current administration. Obama mentioned that many Americans feel uneasy due to Trump’s behavior online and his public persona more broadly.
These remarks are some of Obama’s frankest feedback towards Trump in recent times, as conversations about political discourse and expectations for leadership continue to make headlines.
Obama on Decline of Presidential Standards
During the interview, Obama labeled both the social media activity and public behavior of the administration as a “clown show,” expressing his worries about a perceived decline in presidential standards. He lamented the apparent erosion of “decorum” and “propriety” associated with the highest office of the land.
The video causing the controversy was initially shared on President Trump’s official Truth Social account last week before it was removed. It faced backlash from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Responses from Both Sides and the White House’s Reaction
In an initial reaction, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged the media to “stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public,” when speaking with TMZ.
However, President Trump’s post was met with criticism even from within his own party. Republican Senator Tim Scott condemned the post as “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.”
President Trump subsequently attributed the post to an unnamed White House staff member and asserted that he did not need to issue an apology, claiming in a separate statement that he “DIDN’T MAKE A MISTAKE.”
Obama concluded by stating that ultimately, it is up to the American people to express their views on the actions of the administration when they vote at the polls.
