United States President Donald Trump has stated that he does not regret sharing a controversial video on his social media platform, Truth Social, which depicted former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, in a racially insensitive manner as apes. Speaking to reporters while traveling on Air Force One, Trump expressed confidence that he was right to share the video, despite its negative reception and the potential implications of propagating racial stereotypes. He mentioned that he had not viewed the entire clip before posting it and only focused on parts related to allegations of voter fraud.

Trump elaborated that the video focused on his claims regarding voter fraud linked to voting machines during the 2020 election, emphasizing his belief in the 'crookedness' of the machines. While he acknowledged not watching the complete video, he dismissed the need for an apology, suggesting his audience could interpret the content differently. He did, however, publicly condemned the objectionable content when specifically questioned, reflecting a conflict between his defense of free speech and recognition of the video's offensive portrayal.

The incident has fueled ongoing discussions about the impact of political leaders in disseminating controversial and potentially harmful content on social media. Trump's actions raise significant questions about the responsibilities of public figures in moderating their online presences, particularly concerning content that promotes racial stereotypes or conspiracy theories. The backlash against the video illustrates a broader societal concern regarding the normalization of such depictions in political discourse, especially when involving prominent figures like the Obamas.