A Truth Social video showed Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes on Friday, Feb. 6. The post drew swift condemnation, and it reinforced concerns regarding Trumpian racism and misogyny. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich and Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger publicly rebuked President Donald Trump. Elected officials from both parties also objected, and many said the White House tried to laugh it off.
Removal fails to calm critics
The account removed the post about 12 hours later, but critics said the harm lingered. Detractors argued the video fit a broader pattern because they see racism in Trump-aligned policies. They cited racial profiling tied to a Department of Homeland Security immigration crackdown. They also pointed to comments in Trump’s circle about “Americans” having more babies. Supporters minimized the controversy and, in some cases, framed it as humor or political noise, resisting calls for an apology.
Claims extend to women and public culture
Criticism also centered on attitudes toward women linked to Trump. Observers recalled the 2016 “Access Hollywood” recording, and they noted that Trump apologized at the time. Since then, critics said misogyny has appeared in press conferences, casual remarks, and public events. Trump’s support for Turning Point USA’s alternative Super Bowl LX halftime program drew added scrutiny. Kid Rock headlined the program, but critics highlighted lyrics that reference underage girls.
Bad Bunny praise and backlash collide
Turning Point USA promoted its alternative program as Bad Bunny was announced as the performer for the NFL halftime show. Bad Bunny has condemned violence against women, and New York’s new archbishop, Ronald Hicks, quoted his lyrics during a Friday installation sermon. Yet the NFL performance featured barely clad young women, and it included crotch-grabbing dance moves. Critics called the staging a lesson in global machismo, so the debate expanded beyond partisan politics.
Bishops face calls to defend women’s full humanity
U.S. bishops have spoken forcefully on immigration and poverty, but critics asked why they stay quieter on sexism. Some argued church leaders fear claims that women cannot “image” Christ. That claim was linked to Arianism, an ancient teaching that held that Jesus was created only as a man. Catholic doctrine counters with teachings on the Trinity and the resurrection, which emphasize Christ’s presence in all people. Critics said many hierarchs remain shaped by an all-male clerical culture, so women hold management roles but not ministry roles. Supporters of stronger action urged bishops to defend the full humanity of women, alongside Black people, migrants, and the disenfranchised.
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The US Catholic bishops have spoken out about racism. Have they spoken up for women?
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