Trump shared a video depicting the Obamas as monkeys

US President Donald Trump posted a video on social media that sparked a wave of criticism for its racist undertones. The montage, which repeats his claims of election rigging in 2020, also featured an obviously doctored image showing Barack and Michelle Obama depicted as monkeys.

Such symbolism has long been associated with racist stereotypes targeting people of African descent. Reactions were not long in coming. The video was condemned by several politicians, including Republican Senator Tim Scott, who called on Trump to remove the post.

The White House dismissed the criticism as "fake outrage" and said the video was just an internet meme depicting Trump as the "king of the jungle," but the president subsequently removed the video.

The Obamas did not comment on the matter, but former Barack Obama aides pointed out that Trump's behavior fits in with his long history of racist remarks. Civil rights advocates warn that such rhetoric is becoming dangerously normalized in American politics.

(reuters, mja)