"Trump's Racist Video Sparks Outrage from Democrats, Republicans Unite to Condemn It"
President Donald Trump has faced widespread criticism for sharing a racist video on Truth Social that depicts former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as primates in a jungle. The 62-second clip, which was deleted after it was widely condemned, included a segment showing two primates with the Obamas' smiling faces superimposed on them.
Democrat Illinois Governor JB Pritzker directly called Trump "a racist" for his actions, while the Democratic Party of Illinois issued a statement condemning the video and urging Republicans to speak out against it. The party stated that the video was a "calculated choice and a disgrace," especially given that Black History Month is currently underway.
Other prominent Democrats, including U.S. Senator Tim Scott, Senate Minority Leader Dick Durbin, and Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, have also condemned Trump's behavior as racist and traumatizing to Black communities. Conyears-Ervin described Trump's actions as "out of touch with real Americans" and called for him to remove the video.
The depiction of Black people as apes is a well-documented racist slur that has been used throughout history to justify lynching, slavery, and other forms of oppression. It's worth noting that comedian Roseanne Barr faced significant backlash in 2018 after she compared former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett to an ape on her show.
Despite the video being deleted, Trump did not comment on it in his post. His office attributed the video to a staffer, but many have questioned this explanation. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, defended the video by stating that it was just an "internet meme" and asked people to stop spreading "fake outrage."
The controversy surrounding Trump's video has sparked a rare moment of unity among Democrats and Republicans, who are both condemning his behavior. The incident serves as a reminder that racism remains a serious issue in American politics, even in the current administration.
Contributing: AP
President Donald Trump has faced widespread criticism for sharing a racist video on Truth Social that depicts former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as primates in a jungle. The 62-second clip, which was deleted after it was widely condemned, included a segment showing two primates with the Obamas' smiling faces superimposed on them.
Democrat Illinois Governor JB Pritzker directly called Trump "a racist" for his actions, while the Democratic Party of Illinois issued a statement condemning the video and urging Republicans to speak out against it. The party stated that the video was a "calculated choice and a disgrace," especially given that Black History Month is currently underway.
Other prominent Democrats, including U.S. Senator Tim Scott, Senate Minority Leader Dick Durbin, and Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, have also condemned Trump's behavior as racist and traumatizing to Black communities. Conyears-Ervin described Trump's actions as "out of touch with real Americans" and called for him to remove the video.
The depiction of Black people as apes is a well-documented racist slur that has been used throughout history to justify lynching, slavery, and other forms of oppression. It's worth noting that comedian Roseanne Barr faced significant backlash in 2018 after she compared former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett to an ape on her show.
Despite the video being deleted, Trump did not comment on it in his post. His office attributed the video to a staffer, but many have questioned this explanation. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, defended the video by stating that it was just an "internet meme" and asked people to stop spreading "fake outrage."
The controversy surrounding Trump's video has sparked a rare moment of unity among Democrats and Republicans, who are both condemning his behavior. The incident serves as a reminder that racism remains a serious issue in American politics, even in the current administration.
Contributing: AP
... like, can't believe Trump would actually share something so vile 
. I mean, I get that he's trying to stir up controversy, but seriously, who does this? 
The idea that people would think it's funny or harmless is just mind-boggling to me 
.
. Like, no, it's not a joke, it's racist propaganda 
. The fact that Democrats and Republicans are coming together to condemn this stuff is actually kinda refreshing 
. It shows that even in the midst of all the chaos, there are still people who care about doing what's right.
. That just makes her look like she's not taking this seriously at all 
. Anyway, I'm glad we're having this conversation about racism and where we draw the line 
.
. And yeah, I'm glad to see the Republican party is stepping up too - it's not about them being all on the same page, but they're at least acknowledging that Trump's behavior was unacceptable 
. The thing that gets me though is how they're trying to spin this as just an "internet meme" 
. Like, come on Trump, own up to your mistakes and apologize already! 
? The whole thing just feels like a big ol' PR disaster waiting to happen. And can we please just move on from the ape thing already? It's been done before and it never ends well 
i mean, how can u not see the insensitivity of posting some racist video like that? it's just so... basic. and what's w/ the "internet meme" excuse from karoline leavitt lol that sounds like something outta a joke 
anyway, its actually kinda cool 2 c republicans & democrats united against racism tho 