ADVERTISEMENT
According to engagement figures visible on the platform, the post garnered thousands of likes and shares within hours. It was part of a larger series of more than 60 posts Trump reportedly made over a three-hour period, which also included repeated statements about the 2020 election, promotion of a Super Bowl advertisement, and remarks about having his likeness added to Mount Rushmore.
The White House responded to the backlash through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said the clip originated from an internet meme portraying Trump as a “King of the Jungle” figure and Democrats as characters inspired by The Lion King. She characterized criticism of the post as “fake outrage” and suggested attention should be focused on other national issues.
As of now, neither Barack nor Michelle Obama has publicly addressed the video.
The controversy underscores the ongoing intensity of political rhetoric in the United States. Supporters often view such posts as provocative satire or combative political messaging, while critics argue that the imagery crosses ethical and historical lines, particularly given the longstanding racist trope of comparing Black individuals to primates.
The episode once again highlights the deeply divided public response to Trump’s communication style — one that frequently blurs the line between political commentary, online meme culture, and official presidential messaging.
