This month the nation is celebrating the 100th year of celebrating Black History Month. During the first week of Black History Month, President Donald Trump posted a meme video that included a racist image depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. The post quickly sparked outrage across the political spectrum and throughout the country.
Members of both political parties condemned the video. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, widely known as a strong ally of President Trump and the only African American Republican senator, publicly stated that he was “praying it was fake” and called it “the most racist thing I’ve seen come out of the White House,” urging the President to remove it. Religious leaders, both conservative and progressive, also spoke out against the post.
Initially, the White House press secretary dismissed the controversy, characterizing the video as “an internet meme” and accusing critics of engaging in “fake outrage.” The administration later claimed that a staff member, not the President, was responsible for posting it. When questioned directly by reporters, President Trump stated that the video concerned election fraud, which he said drew his attention, and suggested that a staffer may not have watched the entire video and therefore missed the racist image at the end.
When asked whether he would issue an apology, the President declined and stated that he had done nothing wrong. However, after bipartisan backlash intensified, the White House ultimately removed the post.
This incident does not exist in isolation. Throughout his political career, President Trump has faced criticism for racially charged statements about Latinos, African nations, people of African descent, Black Americans, and Asian communities. He has previously suggested that the United States should accept more immigrants from countries such as Norway and Sweden, remarks that were widely condemned at the time.
The history of depicting Black people as apes is deeply rooted in racist propaganda used to dehumanize African Americans and justify discrimination, segregation, and violence. For such imagery to appear from the highest office in the nation, particularly during Black History Month, carries serious historical and moral weight.
The deeper question is not simply whether the post was removed. The question is how much of this behavior America is willing to tolerate.
In a constitutional democracy, the ultimate accountability does not rest in press briefings or political spin but it rests with the voters. In 2026, Americans will have the opportunity to vote in the midterm elections and determine the composition of Congress. If citizens believe this type of conduct reflects a failure of leadership, they have the power to demand different representation and stronger oversight.
Elections are not only about policy preferences. They are also about standards and what kind of conduct we accept from those entrusted with governing. The 2026 midterms will present a clear opportunity for African Americans to condemn such rhetoric and actions.
