Barack Obama is speaking out after a racist video shared from Donald Trump’s social media account sparked widespread backlash from both Democrats and Republicans.
The clip, which circulated briefly before being deleted, depicted Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes and repeated false claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election.
The post drew condemnation from Democrats and Republicans alike. After initially brushing off criticism as “fake outrage,” the White House later said the video had been uploaded by a staff member.
Without mentioning Trump by name, Obama addressed the moment during an appearance on Brian Tyler Cohen’s podcast, reflecting on the disturbing shift in public behavior.
Even when commenting on trump's racist social media post of President Obama and Michelle, note how (unlike trump) he seems unbothered, and doesn't sink to childish name-calling, he doesn't even say his name.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) February 15, 2026
He will ALWAYS be the bigger, better man.pic.twitter.com/d90lr4iPmz
“It’s important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling,” Obama said. “It is true that it gets attention. It’s true that it’s a distraction.”
The former president went on to describe the current media environment as chaotic.
“There’s this sort of clown show that’s happening on social media and on television,” he said. “What is true is that there doesn’t seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some decorum and respect for the office.”
Obama added that the focus should remain on issues that actually affect people’s lives.