United States President Donald Trump has come under intense criticism after a video shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, appeared to portray former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys, sparking accusations of racism and deepening political tensions.

The video, which was briefly visible on Trump’s account before being removed, showed the Obamas’ faces superimposed on animals during a segment of a one-minute clip that also promoted false claims about the 2020 presidential election. The post quickly attracted thousands of reactions before it was taken down.

The White House later said the video was uploaded in error by a staff member and described it as an “internet meme.” Officials insisted the content was not meant to be taken literally, but the explanation did little to calm the backlash.

Democratic leaders and civil rights advocates condemned the imagery, describing it as racist and offensive. California Governor Gavin Newsom called on Republican leaders to publicly denounce the post, while former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes said the incident reflected a troubling pattern of behaviour.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries defended the former president and first lady, describing them as patriotic Americans who represent the best of the country.

Several other lawmakers, including Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, also criticised the post and demanded an apology from the White House.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said the imagery went beyond subtle messaging, calling it blatant racism that relied on long-standing stereotypes used to dehumanise Black people. He added that leaders’ words and actions shape how societies treat one another.

The controversy has revived scrutiny of Trump’s long-running feud with Obama, which dates back to the false “birther” claims that questioned Obama’s citizenship and helped propel Trump into national politics.

Observers say the incident also highlights Trump’s growing use of digitally altered and artificial intelligence-generated visuals to mock political opponents and energise his supporters. In the past, he has shared fabricated videos showing rivals in false or humiliating scenarios.

Barack Obama, the first Black president in US history, has remained an influential figure in Democratic politics and publicly supported Trump’s opponent in the 2024 presidential election, a rivalry that continues to shape the political divide in Washington.