Obama addresses racist video shared by Trump depicting him as an ape
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Former US President Barack Obama addressed the issue of increasingly uncivil political behavior during a podcast interview, indirectly referencing a racist video shared by President Donald Trump that depicted him and his wife, Michelle, as apes. While not naming Trump directly, Obama expressed concern over the lack of "shame" and "decorum" among public officials, highlighting how such actions reflect poorly on those in power. The video, which included a clip set to the song *The Lion Sleeps Tonight* and was part of a larger post about voter fraud claims, sparked widespread criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott, who called it "the most racist thing" he had seen from the White House.
Obama's comments came during an episode of Brian Tyler Cohen's podcast, where he discussed the broader decline in political discourse, noting that it has become increasingly "cruel." He acknowledged the attention-grabbing nature of such controversies but emphasized that many Americans still value decency and kindness. The former president also mentioned his experiences meeting ordinary citizens who remain committed to respect and courtesy, contrasting their values with the "clown show" he sees in social media and media outlets.
The interview underscored Obama's belief in the importance of maintaining a sense of propriety and respect for office, particularly as political rhetoric continues to escalate. While Trump denied seeing the ape portion of the video and refused to apologize, Obama's remarks serve as a broader critique of the current political climate. This issue matters globally because it reflects on the challenges of addressing racism and fostering respectful dialogue in public spaces, both in the US and beyond.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026