Amnesty International USA condemns in the strongest possible terms President Donald Trump’s actions circulating a racist video depicting President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
“This is vile, dehumanizing racism—full stop. It echoes some of the most dangerous propaganda in history and has no place in a society that claims to value human rights and dignity,” said Terrance Sullivan, Racial Justice Director at Amnesty International USA. “That this post occurred during Black History Month makes it all the more reprehensible. Black History Month is meant to honor Black resistance, leadership, creativity, and contributions to this country—not to belittle Black people or demean Black leaders through racist caricatures rooted in white supremacy.”
“The subsequent removal of the offensive video and blame placed on a lower-level staffer is not new. This is part of a trend by the President of dehumanizing rhetoric, followed by blame and deflection,” continued Sullivan. “When racist imagery is amplified or excused by those in power, it fuels violence, discrimination, and other harm against Black communities as well as lays the foundation for future dehumanization of those they deem inferior. Leaders set the tone, and President Trump has repeatedly made clear that he will reinforce white supremacism and trample human rights, particularly of Black and brown people.”
Amnesty International USA calls on President Trump, elected officials, and all public leaders to unequivocally reject racism, condemn this dehumanization, and commit to recognizing and respecting the human rights and human dignity of Black people—during Black History Month and every day.
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