Barack Obama Reacts to Trump's AI Ape Video

Variety

by Jack Dunn

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Barack Obama weighed in on Donald Trump's AI-generated video depicting the former president and his wife, Michelle, as apes during a podcast appearance. Obama criticized the "clown show" of online discourse, emphasizing that most Americans find such behavior troubling. He highlighted the loss of decorum and respect for public office, contrasting it with the decency he encounters while traveling. Despite initial attempts to downplay the video as an internet meme by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, backlash led to its removal after 12 hours. Trump later contradicted claims that a staff member was at fault, asserting he intentionally shared the video without reviewing its full content. The AI video, posted on Trump's Truth Social account, stirred significant controversy across political lines. It capitalized on harmful stereotypes and drew sharp criticism for its racist overtones. The incident reflects a broader trend of weaponizing technology to spread divisive content, often with little regard for ethical implications. Obama's remarks underscored the importance of maintaining civility in public discourse, particularly during an era where such incidents frequently dominate headlines. This事件 highlights the intersection of politics, technology, and entertainment, making it relevant to readers interested in how AI is being used to manipulate perceptions and create division. It also raises questions about the role of social media platforms in curating content and their responsibility to prevent the spread of harmful or misleading material. As such incidents gain traction, they not only distract from

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Originally published on Variety on 2/14/2026