Former President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by sharing a video on his social media platform, Truth Social, that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys. The video, which was said to feature claims that Dominion Voting Systems aided in stealing Trump’s victory in the 2020 elections, was criticized for reiterating racist stereotypes. It was available for public viewing for 12 hours before being deleted amid widespread condemnation from both Democratic and Republican circles.

Trump has claimed that he did not watch the video in its entirety and that it was posted by a staff member. However, the backlash continues, with previous White House staffers suggesting that such content could harm the Republican party in the upcoming midterm elections, as it revives harmful narratives. Many critics argue that perpetuating these stereotypes is damaging not just politically, but also socially, highlighting the ongoing issues of racism in political discourse.

The video incident reflects not only Trump's contentious relationship with the Obamas but also his overall approach to social media, where controversial content often finds a platform. The quick deletion of the video following public outcry shows a sensitivity, perhaps forced, to the repercussions of such portrayals during an electoral cycle that is critical for the Republican party. As the political landscape heats up ahead of the midterms, the implications of this incident could resonate beyond party lines, affecting public perception and voter sentiment.