Trump shared AI-generated video depicting Obamas as primates
On February 6, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video on Truth Social depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as primates in a jungle scene, interspersed with false election fraud claims. The post was criticized by Democrats and some Republicans and was removed within hours, with the White House stating an employee had posted it inadvertently.
What happened
A video approximately one minute long was posted to Truth Social on February 6, 2026 by or on behalf of President Donald Trump. The video contained an AI-generated clip, approximately one second in duration, depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as primates in a jungle setting with background music.
The video also contained false claims about 2020 presidential election fraud, including assertions that Dominion Voting Systems manipulated votes to benefit Democrats.
Reported impact
The post drew sharp criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Tim Scott. The White House removed the post at approximately 18:00 CET on the same day.
Index analysis
The video used AI generation to create a synthetic depiction intended to dehumanize individuals based on race. The synthetic media was combined with repeatedly debunked election fraud narratives previously promoted by Trump.
Governance controls
The White House stated that an employee had posted the content inadvertently and the post was subsequently removed from the platform.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.