Obama Finally Reacts, Condemns Racist AI Video Shared by Trump Depicting Him, Michelle as Apes

By: Isreal Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the former United States President, Barack Obama, has reacted strongly to a controversial artificial intelligence–generated video shared by President Donald Trump, which depicted Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as apes.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the video, which was posted on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, and later deleted, sparked widespread outrage after viewers condemned it as racist and demeaning.

The clip reportedly promoted false claims of election fraud from the 2020 presidential election and concluded with an animation portraying the Obamas as apes—imagery long criticised for its racist undertones toward Black people.

Obama addressed the incident during an interview with political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, where he described the post as troubling but urged the public not to lose sight of broader values.

He said, “first of all, I think it’s important to recognize that a majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling."

“It is true that it gets attention. It’s true that it’s a distraction. But, as I’m traveling around the country, as you’re traveling around the country, you meet people, they still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness,” Obama added.

OTN News observes from the information gathered that the AI-generated clip reportedly featured animated characters dancing to the song 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' and included imagery referencing Disney’s 'The Lion King', despite the fact that apes do not appear in the original story. 

The portrayal nevertheless drew sharp criticism for reinforcing racist caricatures.

Following backlash, White House officials stated that the video was not authorised and was removed once it was brought to their attention.

OTN News further observes from the information gathered that no further explanation was provided regarding how the content was posted in the first place.

Obama also used the opportunity to criticise what he described as the Trump administration’s unconventional and inflammatory social media approach, which has frequently attracted controversy.

“There’s this sort of clown show that’s happening in social media and on television,” Obama said. 

“And what is true is that there doesn’t seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? So that’s been lost.”

The incident has reignited debates about the use of artificial intelligence in political messaging, the spread of disinformation online, and the erosion of norms surrounding civility and respect in American public life.