Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

February 9, 2026

California elected officials sharply condemned President Donald Trump after he shared and later deleted a video on Truth Social that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, a racist trope. Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Senate Pro Tem Monique Limón, and other state leaders demanded that Republican colleagues denounce the February 5th post, with some calling for Trump's removal from office. Trump claimed he had not watched the entire video before posting it and refused to apologize, while the White House initially defended it as an internet meme before removing it.

Who is affected

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama (depicted in the racist video)
The Black community (targeted by racist imagery and symbolism)
California elected officials including Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Senate Pro Tem Monique Limón, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, and Senator Alex Padilla (responding to the controversy)
Republican officials (called upon to denounce the video)
President Donald Trump (facing criticism and calls for removal)

What action is being taken

Governor Newsom's office posted condemnation of the President on social media
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas called for the President's removal from office
Senate Pro Tem Monique Limón called on colleagues to denounce the behavior
Various California legislators posted statements on social media condemning the video
The White House removed the video from Trump's Truth Social platform

Why it matters

This incident matters because it involves the President of the United States sharing explicitly racist imagery depicting a former president and first lady as apes, a dehumanizing trope with centuries of racist history. The controversy is particularly significant because it occurred during Black History Month, a time meant to honor Black Americans' contributions and address ongoing racial issues. The incident raises serious questions about presidential conduct, accountability, and the normalization of racist content at the highest levels of government. California officials' unified condemnation demonstrates the gravity with which elected leaders view such racism, while Trump's refusal to apologize and initial White House defense of the post highlights ongoing tensions around racial sensitivity and leadership standards.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

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