Washington State Legislative Black Caucus (LBC) Statement on President Trump’s Racist Depiction of Obamas:
Today, we are witnessing yet another deeply troubling moment in our nation’s civic life. On February 6, 2026, the President of the United States shared a social media video that included a grotesque and racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama portrayed as apes, an offensive image rooted in the dehumanizing tropes historically used to denigrate Black people and justify their exclusion from full humanity.
“This imagery is not merely tasteless or provocative, it invokes a historically weaponized form of racist representation that has been used for centuries to justify discrimination, violence, and oppression against Black Americans,” said LBC Chair Rep. Kristine Reeves. “Its circulation by the person holding the highest office in the land, regardless of intent, is a violation of the very dignity and respect that our diverse nation aspires to uphold.”
Black History Month, as recognized in House Resolution 4620, by the Washington State Legislature in 2025, reminds us of the profound contributions of Black Americans to our shared history and the enduring struggle for justice, equity, and belonging. We will commemorate this month in 2026, not by simply celebrating accomplishments but working to confront the persistent barriers that racism continues to erect in our society.
The act of sharing dehumanizing imagery, especially during Black History Month, deepens racial wounds rather than healing them. It undermines our collective efforts to foster understanding, respect, and unity. It sends a message to Black communities not of inclusion, but of marginalization.
We unequivocally condemned this behavior when a member of our caucus experienced this same racism in March of 2025 while advocating for HB 1620.
Leadership demands more than provocation disguised as rhetoric. It demands a commitment to upholding the humanity of every community, especially those who have been historically marginalized. The use of racist caricature in political discourse harms not just the individuals depicted, but the very fabric of our democratic society.
We call on all elected leaders, at every level of government, to speak with clarity and conviction against racist imagery and rhetoric whenever it arises, and to affirm through action that our public discourse reflects our highest ideals of respect, equity, and justice for all.
As House Resolution 4620 stated: The fight for inclusion, justice, and equity in all aspects of American life still continues today. The Washington State Legislative Black Caucus reaffirms our commitment to these principles, to meaningful dialogue, and to advancing policies and civic norms that honor the full dignity of every Washingtonian and every American.
The Members of Color Caucus stands in full support of the LBC. “That the most powerful office in the world is being used by Trump to spread racism across the globe should be unthinkable. And yet it’s not. If any other person did that they would be fired. But not the President. Yet.” – Rep. Chris Stearns, Chair of the MOCC.
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Rep. Kristine M. Reeves |
Rep. Brandy Donaghy |
Rep. Natasha Hill |
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Rep. April Berg |
Rep. Debra Entenman |
Rep. David Hackney |
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Sen. John Lovick |
Rep. Melanie Morgan |
Sen. T’wina Nobles |
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Rep. Julia Reed |
Rep. Shaun Scott |
Rep. Chipalo Street |
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Rep. Brianna Thomas |
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Rep. Jamila Taylor |