Leader Puri, MLBC Condemn Trump’s Racism Toward Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
Democratic lawmakers highlight continuation of extremism in face of Black History Month
Joint Statement | Office of House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri and MLBC Chair Amos O’Neal
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 6, 2026 — Last night, President Donald Trump posted a video onto his Truth Social page with a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s faces on the bodies of apes. The post was removed earlier today after major backlash, despite his administration initially defending it.
Following this latest occurrence of racism from Trump, Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) and state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC), issued the following joint statement:
“Unfortunately, this blatantly racist behavior is nothing new from the president or his administration. On just the sixth day of what marks 100 years of celebrating Black history, he is attempting to undermine living figures who are actively shaping American history for the better.
“At a moment when communities across the country are reflecting, honoring progress and uplifting those who have helped move our nation forward, Trump is doing the opposite: once again escalating divisiveness and redirecting attention away from unity. Rather than recognizing the significance of this milestone or engaging in meaningful leadership, he continues to lean into rhetoric that echoes some of the oldest racist tropes in this country; tropes that have been and are still used today to justify hate, exclusion and inequality. Moments like this make it clear why remembrance alone isn’t enough; it must be met with action.”
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