Barack Obama slams AI video of him and Michelle as apes shared by Donald Trump, says politics is now a ‘clown show’

The internet had another meltdown moment, and this time it involved a shocking AI video, the US president, and a very calm but pointed reaction from another former president. Yes, politics and social media drama collided again, and everyone is talking.

During a recent chat on the podcast hosted by Brian Tyler Cohen, former US president Barack Obama finally spoke about the viral AI video shared on Donald Trump’s Truth Social account. The clip showed Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as apes, a deeply offensive and racist portrayal that triggered outrage online.

Advertisement

Obama did not raise his voice. Instead, he started with a composed but sharp line: most Americans, he said, find such behaviour “deeply troubling.” The former president admitted the post grabbed attention but dismissed it as noise and distraction.

According to him, when he travels across the country, he still meets people who value basic decency, kindness, and courtesy.

Then came his most biting observation. Obama described the current online atmosphere as a “clown show” playing out across social media and television. He added that what worries him more is the lack of shame, especially from people who once believed in decorum, propriety, and respect for public office.

In his words, that sense of respect now seems lost.

White House first called it a meme

The controversy did not calm down quickly. Initially, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to brush off the February 6 post. She labeled the video an “internet meme” and urged journalists to focus on issues that actually matter to Americans instead of the viral clip.

But the internet refused to move on. The backlash came fast and from all sides of political spectrum. Critics called the video racist and inappropriate. Even some supporters felt it crossed a line.

The mounting criticism eventually forced action.

Video taken down after 12 hours

After nearly 12 hours of online fury, the controversial video was removed. The White House then attempted damage control by blaming an unnamed staff member. According to officials, the clip was “erroneously” shared on Trump’s account by mistake.

That explanation did not stay intact for long.

Trump’s version changes the story

Hours later, Trump himself seemed to contradict the “staff error” claim while speaking to the Associated Press. He said he had watched the video, liked the beginning, and simply passed it along for an aide to post. He suggested that nobody had properly reviewed the ending of the clip.

His remark created more confusion than clarity. If he personally forwarded it, critics asked, was it really a mistake?