President Trump on Friday told reporters he will not apologize for sharing a racist AI video of former President Barack Obama and ex-first lady Michelle Obama on his Truth Social page, claiming a staffer posted the video depicting the couple as apes by mistake.
The president’s remarks came after the White House initially defended the post, calling reactions condemning the video “fake outrage.” However, the post was eventually deleted, with members of the administration also blaming a staffer for sharing it in the first place.
Many politicians on both sides of the aisle remain outraged, including some here in Ohio. In an email to 3News, Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted said, “The video was absolutely unacceptable, and I’m glad the White House recognized that and removed it.”
U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) condemned the video on social media.
“I am DISGUSTED by Trump’s attack on the Obamas and Black Americans, but am I surprised? Of course not. But I refuse to let him ruin Black History Month. Let’s set the record straight.”
3News media partner Cleveland.com reached out to Rep. Max Miller (R-OH-7), who responded, “As the former director of advance for Trump 45, I can tell you that this video should not have been posted. If someone from my team did this while I was at the White House, I can tell you honestly, that they would not have a job come Monday morning.”
