Congressional Black Caucus Chair Says Trump’s Post on The Obamas Shows a ‘Bigoted and Racist Regime’

February 9, 2026

A racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as primates was posted on President Trump's social media account, prompting shifting explanations from the White House that progressed from dismissing concerns to deleting the post and blaming a staff member. Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke rejected the administration's excuses, asserting the video reflected a deliberately toxic and racist environment within the White House rather than an innocent error.

Who is affected

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama (directly depicted in racist imagery)
Black children and communities (impacted by seeing such content from their president)
The Congressional Black Caucus (more than 60 Black House and Senate members)
Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y. (Congressional Black Caucus chair responding to the incident)
The American people (forced to respond to the administration's actions)
Republican lawmakers (facing pressure regarding their alignment with Trump)

What action is being taken

The White House deleted the video on Friday
Rep. Yvette Clarke is publicly criticizing the administration and speaking to the media
Republican criticism is building against Trump regarding this controversy

Why it matters

This incident matters because it involves explicitly racist content being posted from the official social media account of the sitting U.S. president, targeting a former president and first lady during significant anniversaries (the 250th anniversary of the United States and 100th anniversary of Black history commemoration). The episode raises serious concerns about normalized racism emanating from the highest office, with particular harm to Black children's perception of national leadership and their place in American democracy. The shifting White House explanations and lack of outreach to Black congressional leaders demonstrates a broader pattern of behavior that Clarke characterizes as part of a "bigoted and racist regime," making it a critical issue for democratic accountability and racial justice.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint