Former President Barack Obama has spoken out regarding a video shared by current President Donald Trump, which depicted Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys. In an interview with leftist commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama expressed concern over the diminishing standards of decency in American politics, deliberate provocations of this nature, and their implications for societal discourse. This was Obama's first public reaction to the widely criticized video, which sparked outrage across the political spectrum.

The video in question, which has since been deleted, was posted on Truth Social, Trump's social media platform, on February 5 and quickly drew condemnations for its racist undertones. Using artificial intelligence, the video was a part of a longer conspiracy-themed clip that falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election had been rigged. The visual display of the Obamas as monkeys in a jungle, accompanied by the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," incited significant backlash. Initially, the White House downplayed the outrage, calling it 'fake outrage,' but later removed the post, claiming it was an accidental upload by a staff member.

Obama's remarks come at a time when instances of racial insensitivity in politics seem prevalent, pointing to an ongoing issue that could have broader implications for the political climate and public discourse in the United States. His call for a revival of decency in political dialogue highlights the need for accountability and respect, urging leaders to prioritize ethical standards over momentary sensationalism, especially in an increasingly divided media landscape.