By Bridger Beal-Cvetko and Daniel Woodruff, KSL | Updated – Feb. 6, 2026
SALT LAKE CITY — In a strongly worded statement, Utah Senator John Curtis publicly condemned former President Donald Trump over a controversial post shared on his Truth Social platform. The post, now deleted, depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, eliciting swift backlash for its overtly racist imagery.
Blatantly Racist Post
Curtis took to social media to express his outrage, stating, "The post was blatantly racist and inexcusable. It should never have been posted or left published for so long." The video, which included the distasteful depiction of the Obamas, was shared online late Thursday, sparking significant criticism from various corners, including bipartisan condemnation.
"It is the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House," tweeted South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, the Senate's only Black Republican member, urging for the post's immediate removal.
Mixed Reactions Among Utah Politicians
While many politicians condemned the post, Utah Representative Burgess Owens, also a Black Republican, initially defended Trump, suggesting that "we all make mistakes." However, following growing backlash, Owens later retracted his defense, acknowledging the offensive nature of the imagery: "As a Black man, I find it especially troubling. It never should have been shared or even created."
The responses continued as Utah Representative Mike Kennedy expressed his relief at the post's deletion, calling it "completely inappropriate and unacceptable" while urging for more prudence in national discourse. Other Utah lawmakers, such as Representative Blake Moore, echoed this sentiment, expressing gladness for the post's removal without directly referencing the president.
The White House's Response
Initially dismissing the outrage as "fake," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later stated that the post was mistakenly published by a staff member. The post's deletion came after the heated reactions from both sides of the political aisle, prompting apologies from those within the White House.
The Wisconsin senator Mike Lee and Representative Celeste Maloy did not provide comment following the incident, reflecting a broader hesitation among some Republican lawmakers to criticize Trump publicly.
A History of Racial Controversies
This incident is not the first time Trump has found himself embroiled in racial controversies. Previously, he has faced criticism for promoting the debunked "birther" conspiracy surrounding Obama and for derogatory comments regarding African nations.
Curtis, who was traveling at the time of the controversy, did not comment further but aligned himself with the call for accountability, emphasizing that such actions must be condemned to maintain the integrity of political discussion.
Taking a Stand Against Racism
The outcry from political leaders, including Curtis, reflects a growing demand for accountability and a stance against racism in political dialogue. As discussions about race, representation, and dignity continue in the U.S., the implications of such statements cannot be understated.
"Inappropriate and unacceptable" behavior in political rhetoric undermines public trust, and this event serves as a stark reminder that the impact of words extends beyond social media posts and into the heart of community values.
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The incident underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and advocacy against racism, ensuring that discourse remains respectful and reflective of the ideals upheld by democracy.
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