Donald Trump is under fire again after posting a controversial video that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes—a clip that has since been removed but still ignited outrage across the political spectrum. Despite the backlash, the former president has refused to apologize. Now, Barack Obama is breaking his silence.
In an interview with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen released Saturday, Feb. 14, Obama, 64, called the video “deeply troubling,” saying it reflects a dangerous trend in U.S. politics. The clip, which superimposed the Obamas’ faces on animated apes dancing to The Lion Sleeps Tonight, drew immediate condemnation from both sides of the aisle.
“It’s important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling,” Obama said. “It does get attention, it’s a distraction, but as I travel around the country, I meet people who still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness. And then there’s this sort of clown show happening on social media and on television.”
He also criticized the decline of presidential decorum, saying, “There doesn’t seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of propriety and respect for the office. That’s been lost.”