The Digest:
Former US President Barack Obama has indirectly responded to a controversial video shared on President Donald Trump's social media account that depicted him and Michelle Obama as apes. In an interview with podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama lamented that the "sense of shame" and "decorum" that once guided public officials has disappeared. The video, set to 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight,' appeared at the end of a longer Truth Social post promoting voter fraud claims. It sparked widespread condemnation, with Republican Senator Tim Scott calling it "the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House." The White House initially dismissed backlash as "fake outrage" before blaming a staff member and deleting the post. Trump claimed he "didn't see" that portion and refused to apologise.
Key Points:
- The incident underscores the coarsening of political discourse and normalisation of racist imagery in public life.
- It deepens racial tensions and polarisation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
- Obama models dignified response, while Trump faces renewed accusations of racism.
- This signals the erosion of norms and standards once considered inviolable in American politics.
- The timing, amid immigration crackdowns, amplifies concerns about racial animus in policy and rhetoric.
Sources: Nigerian Tribune, BBC News
