Obama responds to Trump’s racist video
Former President Barack Obama has responded to the racist video posted by President Trump’s social media account earlier this month.
During an interview with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama said many Americans “find this behavior deeply troubling,” NPR reported.
“There doesn’t seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office,” Obama said. “There’s this sort of clown show that’s happening in social media and on television,” Obama added, describing noise around Trump’s presidency as a “distraction.”
Obama’s response follows outrage over the video, which depicted Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the clip, saying “please stop the fake outrage.” Trump refused to apologize for the social media post, telling reporters “I didn’t make a mistake.”
The video, posted at the beginning of Black History Month, has been deleted, NPR reported. The White House blamed a staffer for “erroneously” posting the video clip.
Federal court blocks anti-DEI directive
A federal court has permanently invalidated a U.S. Department of Education directive that sought to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools and colleges nationwide, marking a significant ruling for academic freedom and education policy.
The decision follows the federal government’s concession that its Feb. 14, 2025, “Dear Colleague” letter and related certification requirement are vacated, meaning the policy is formally nullified and cannot be enforced anywhere in the United States. The district court’s final ruling prohibits the government from enforcing, relying on, or reviving the directive.
Sharif El-Mekki, CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, said the decision protects educators’ ability to teach honestly and supports efforts to retain teachers during ongoing national shortages.