WASHINGTON (AP) — A video that caricatured former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle has sparked a racial controversy following its posting on President Donald Trump’s social media account. The White House initially dismissed the outrage as ‘fake’ but later deleted the post, attributing blame to a staff error. However, Trump claimed no mistake was made, insisting that no one previewed the objectionable content before its upload.
Rep. Yvette Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, expressed severe disapproval, stating, “It’s clear that there was an intent to harm people, to hurt people, with this video.” In an interview, she criticized the administration's actions as indicative of a larger pattern of racial insensitivity.
The remarks by Clarke reflects a sentiment that resonates strongly within her community, particularly as the nation highlights significant anniversaries related to civil rights.
Clarke asserted, “As my mother would say, ‘Too late. Mercy’s gone.’” She indicated that the repeated racially charged incidents from the White House have regrettably become a familiar scenario, compelling communities of color to respond to persistent discrimination coming from the highest office.
When asked about the White House’s explanation, Clarke noted, “They don’t tell the truth. If there wasn’t a toxic and racist climate within the White House, we wouldn’t see this type of behavior.”
As a long-standing observer of Trump’s record, Clarke emphasized that the administration should take accountability, highlighting that the harmful impacts of such imagery reach deep into American society, specifically affecting the perceptions of leadership among Black youth. While expressing a hope for change, she remarked, “Unfortunately, Donald Trump is hardwired this way.”
Clarke concluded, “As a democracy, we must stand together against this type of racism and hatred emerging from the presidency.”
Rep. Yvette Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, expressed severe disapproval, stating, “It’s clear that there was an intent to harm people, to hurt people, with this video.” In an interview, she criticized the administration's actions as indicative of a larger pattern of racial insensitivity.
The remarks by Clarke reflects a sentiment that resonates strongly within her community, particularly as the nation highlights significant anniversaries related to civil rights.
Clarke asserted, “As my mother would say, ‘Too late. Mercy’s gone.’” She indicated that the repeated racially charged incidents from the White House have regrettably become a familiar scenario, compelling communities of color to respond to persistent discrimination coming from the highest office.
When asked about the White House’s explanation, Clarke noted, “They don’t tell the truth. If there wasn’t a toxic and racist climate within the White House, we wouldn’t see this type of behavior.”
As a long-standing observer of Trump’s record, Clarke emphasized that the administration should take accountability, highlighting that the harmful impacts of such imagery reach deep into American society, specifically affecting the perceptions of leadership among Black youth. While expressing a hope for change, she remarked, “Unfortunately, Donald Trump is hardwired this way.”
Clarke concluded, “As a democracy, we must stand together against this type of racism and hatred emerging from the presidency.”
