Obama Breaks Silence on AI Video Shared by Trump

Former President Barack Obama has spoken out after an AI-generated video shared on Truth Social by former President Donald Trump depicted him and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, sparking widespread criticism and debate over political discourse in the United States.

Obama addressed the controversy during a recent appearance on the The Brian Tyler Cohen Podcast hosted by Brian Tyler Cohen. The discussion focused on what Cohen described as a troubling decline in political standards, noting that behaviour once considered disqualifying in public life is now often accepted or even rewarded.

Reacting to the video, Obama described the episode as part of a broader social media “clown show,” arguing that the country has lost its sense of decorum and respect for public office. He said that while inflammatory content may dominate online platforms and television screens, it does not reflect the values of most Americans.

“First of all, I think it’s important to recognise that a majority of the American people find this behaviour deeply troubling,” Obama said. He suggested that such posts are often designed to attract attention and distract from substantive issues.

Obama added that in his travels across the country, he continues to meet Americans who value decency, courtesy and kindness, regardless of political affiliation. He expressed concern that some public figures no longer appear to feel a sense of shame or responsibility to uphold standards of propriety once associated with high office.

The controversy began after the AI-generated clip was shared on Truth Social. Critics described the imagery as offensive and racially insensitive. In response to the backlash, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the criticism as “fake outrage,” characterising the video as a parody inspired by The Lion King. The clip was later removed, with a representative claiming it had been posted in error. Trump attributed the post to a staff member but declined to apologise, stating that he did not believe a mistake had been made and confirming that no one had been dismissed over the incident.

The episode has reignited debate about the role of artificial intelligence in political messaging and the growing influence of social media platforms in shaping public conversation. Analysts say the incident underscores broader concerns about misinformation, digital manipulation and the erosion of civility in modern politics.

While the immediate controversy may fade, Obama’s remarks reflect a deeper unease about the tone of public life and the standards expected of those who hold, or have held, the nation’s highest offices.