Barack Obama Reacts to Donald Trump Posting Video Depicting Him and Michelle Obama as Apes

Hollywood Reporter

by McKinley Franklin

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Barack Obama addressed Donald Trump’s viral AI video depicting him and Michelle Obama as apes during an interview with Brian Tyler Cohen. The former president acknowledged that such content gains attention and serves as a distraction but emphasized the importance of decency and respect in public discourse. He highlighted that the majority of Americans find such behavior troubling, even as they travel and connect with people who value kindness and courtesy. The video, which was shared on Trump’s Truth Social account before being deleted, included characters from *The Lion King* dancing to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” a song from Disney’s animated classic. However, the video falsely portrayed Obama and his wife as apes while promoting false election fraud claims. A White House official later claimed the post was accidental and has since been removed. The incident reflects Trump’s administration’s controversial social media strategy, which often prioritizes attention-grabbing tactics over decorum. The video sparked widespread backlash, with figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom calling it “disgusting” and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott labeling it the most racist thing seen from the White House. These reactions underscore the broader implications of using AI to manipulate public perception, particularly when it involves race and political rhetoric. The incident highlights how digital content can rapidly spread and influence public opinion, even if short-lived. This situation matters to entertainment and media audiences because it demonstrates how politics and technology intersect in modern times. The use of AI to create viral content raises ethical concerns about its impact on public discourse and the potential for spreading misinformation. As seen with this video, such content can spark outrage, division, and discussions about the role of social media in shaping political narratives.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/15/2026