Donald Trump’s latest social‑media freakout — posting a video showing Barack and Michelle Obama as apes — isn’t just a moral embarrassment. It’s a political one. The offensive post has coincided with a sharp decline in his approval numbers.
The video, shared on Truth Social, briefly superimposes the Obamas onto dancing primates set to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Critics were quick to call it racist, highlighting the century-old trope of portraying Black people as primates. Even some of Trump’s usual online supporters expressed unease, while political observers warned it crossed a line that could further damage his already tarnished public image.
Trump took down the post after bipartisan outrage, but the fallout was already in motion.
The controversy comes as polling shows Trump’s approval sinking to a record low. The NPR/PBS News/Marist survey released Thursday shows Trump’s overall approval at just 39 percent, with 51 percent disapproving — a level not seen since the aftermath of January 6, 2021. Only 36 percent approve of his handling of the economy and foreign policy. Other recent trackers also show support dipping into the 30s on key issues, suggesting that the meme may be reinforcing a perception of recklessness and poor judgment.
The White House response didn’t helped. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the video, calling it “from an internet meme depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from The Lion King,” and then lectured critics to stop the “fake outrage.” The explanation only amplified the controversy, highlighting the administration’s willingness to normalize blatantly offensive content instead of taking accountability.
Outrage has been widespread and bipartisan. Civil rights groups condemned the video, calling it deeply offensive. Even some Republicans acknowledged the meme was “over the line,” while Democrats labeled it “a racist disgrace.” Journalists and social media commentators piled on, describing the administration’s defense as “absurd,” “pathetic,” and “a glaring refusal to take responsibility.”
Observers say the episode reflects a recurring pattern: Trump weaponizes provocative online content to energize his base, and when confronted with backlash, the administration spins it rather than apologizes. This time, the consequences are quantifiable as public opinion is moving against him.
