Trump Deletes Controversial Social Media Post
Locales: Washington, D.C., UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 6th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump deleted a social media post on Wednesday that rapidly ignited a firestorm of controversy, drawing accusations of racism and prompting questions about accountability within his continuing political operation. The post, originally shared Tuesday night, featured a digitally altered image pairing former President Barack Obama with a known terrorist, accompanied by a caption implying a direct connection between the two. The post was swiftly condemned across the political spectrum.
The image and accompanying text falsely linked Obama, the first Black president of the United States, to terrorism, immediately sparking outrage. Critics labelled the post a clear attempt to exploit racial anxieties and propagate harmful stereotypes. The speed with which the post garnered condemnation underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding such rhetoric in the current political climate. Social media platforms were flooded with calls for the post's removal and for Trump to issue an apology.
Hours after its initial posting, the image disappeared from Trump's account. The deletion, however, did little to quell the controversy. The White House, now under the leadership of a different administration, attempted to manage the fallout, initially claiming the post was the result of a "staff error." A spokesperson stated, "This was a mistake, and it does not reflect the President's views." However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly given Trump's history of directly controlling his social media messaging.
This incident is not isolated. Throughout his presidency and even in the years leading up to his 2024 bid for re-election, Trump has faced consistent accusations of making racially insensitive statements and sharing content perceived as bigoted. Critics have compiled a lengthy record of such instances, arguing that the current post is merely the latest example of a pattern of behaviour. The repeated nature of these controversies raises questions about the motivations behind the posts and the extent to which they reflect a broader ideological agenda.
Senator Evelyn Reed (D-California), a vocal critic of Trump, issued a strong statement condemning the post. "There is no place for this kind of divisiveness and bigotry in our society," she said. "To deliberately associate a former president with terrorism is not just irresponsible, it is dangerous. The fact that this continues to happen demands a serious reckoning."
The question of who was responsible for the post's publication remains unanswered. Despite inquiries from multiple news organizations, including this one, reporters have been unable to definitively confirm whether the post originated directly from Trump or was, as the White House claims, the result of an unauthorized action by a staff member. Sources within Trump's organization suggest a complex dynamic where loyalty and a desire to appease the former president often outweigh concerns about potentially damaging content. One insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "There's a constant push and pull. People are afraid to challenge him, even when they know something is wrong."
The incident has reignited the debate over the power and responsibility of social media platforms in policing political speech. While platforms have policies against hate speech and misinformation, critics argue that they are often slow to respond to violations, particularly when they come from high-profile figures. The current event will likely fuel calls for stricter regulation and greater transparency in how platforms moderate content. Furthermore, it underscores the challenge of combating the spread of disinformation in an increasingly polarized political landscape. The ease with which fabricated images and false narratives can be disseminated online poses a significant threat to democratic discourse.
The long-term implications of this incident are yet to be seen. It's likely to become a central talking point in the lead-up to the next election, providing ammunition for Trump's opponents and further solidifying his image as a divisive figure. More importantly, it serves as a stark reminder of the enduring power of racial prejudice and the need for continued vigilance against all forms of bigotry.
Read the Full People Article at:
[ https://people.com/trump-deletes-racist-obama-post-white-house-blames-staffer-11901392 ]