Former President Barack Obama has spoken out after a racist video depicting him and Michelle Obama as apes was shared online by President Donald Trump. The video was later removed, but Trump has not apologized.
In a recent interview, Obama described the clip as offensive and harmful. He said most Americans still believe in basic decency and respect, even if social media often amplifies extreme behavior. He warned that such posts distract from real issues and lower the standards expected from public leaders.
Obama also addressed what he sees as a decline in respect for the presidency. He said there was once a stronger sense of decorum and responsibility tied to the office, but that standard has weakened in today’s political climate.
The video drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with some members of Trump’s own party calling it racist. The White House downplayed the controversy, and Trump denied wrongdoing.
Beyond the video, Obama raised concerns about recent immigration enforcement actions. He described certain federal operations as troubling and said they reflect a shift away from core American values. He emphasized that voters will ultimately decide how they feel about these actions, adding that many Americans still value kindness, fairness, and truth.