President Donald Trump said he did not view the racist portion of a video shared on his social media account before it was posted, while insisting he would not apologize for the incident that has continued to draw sharp criticism from lawmakers and civil rights figures.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump said he only watched the opening segment of the video, which focused on claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election, before it was posted and removed hours later.
He said a staff member shared the video without his full review and maintained that he was unaware it ended with an animation depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.
Trump said, "I didn't make a mistake," when asked whether he planned to apologize, while adding that he condemned the racist imagery once he learned of it.
Asked directly if he denounced the depiction, he responded, "Of course I do."
The Obamas have not commented publicly on the video, and their representatives declined requests for response.
White House officials said the post was taken down after backlash intensified and described the posting as an error by a staffer.
The incident has raised renewed questions about oversight and approval processes for content shared on the president’s social media accounts.
Trump said he routinely reviews large volumes of material and relies on aides to examine content fully before publication.
He added that if staff had reviewed the entire video, it likely would have been removed before being shared.
The White House initially dismissed criticism by characterizing the clip as an internet meme, but later acknowledged the post should not have been published.
Officials have declined to clarify how many staff members have access to the president’s account.
Condemnation continued to mount even after the video’s removal, with criticism coming from both parties.
Republican Senator Tim Scott described the clip as “the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House” and said he later spoke with Trump by phone.
Other Republican lawmakers called the post offensive and unacceptable, urging its removal and an apology.
Democratic leaders and civil rights advocates described the imagery as racist and harmful, accusing Trump of perpetuating dehumanizing stereotypes.
The episode has intensified scrutiny of the president’s online conduct as criticism persists over the handling and aftermath of the post.