White House Deletes Racist Obama Meme After Backlash
White House Deletes Racist Obama Meme After Backlash
The White House pulls a controversial post showing the Obamas as apes after a surge of backlash, with officials citing a staff error and bipartisan condemnation.
A White House post that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes has been removed after a wave of backlash. Officials initially described it as an internet meme video and defended the post before reversing course.
The clip accompanied claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election and used The Lion Sleeps Tonight in the soundtrack. It was part of a 62 second video that also depicted other public figures as animals.
Republican lawmakers, including Senator Tim Scott, condemned the move. Scott called it the most racist thing he has seen from this White House and urged its removal. Another Republican, Representative Mike Lawler, criticized the post as well.
The White House said a staffer had posted the clip in error. The Obamas have not commented publicly on the video.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about online memes and misinformation, and the challenge of vetting viral content in real time. It also shows that even high profile allies call for accountability when slurs or dehumanizing imagery surface in political posts.
