U.S. Representative Shontel Brown has sharply condemned President Donald Trump following the circulation of an AI-generated image on his Truth Social platform depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama in a racist manner.
Rep Browned has called the post “disgusting, disrespectful, and disgraceful.”
In a video statement shared on Instagram, Brown said the post — which she described as an attack not only on the Obamas but on Black Americans more broadly — was offensive but not unexpected, given Trump’s political record and rhetoric.
“I am disgusted by Trump’s attack on the Obamas and Black Americans, but am I surprised? Of course not,” Brown said. “But I refuse to let him ruin Black History Month.”
Condemnation of Racist Imagery and Political Strategy
Brown argued that the social media post fits into a broader pattern she says defines Trump’s leadership style: the use of provocation and racial hostility to energize his political base while diverting attention from policy outcomes.
She described the imagery as part of what she called a “thin veil” that has now fallen away, revealing what she characterized as racially discriminatory policies, including efforts to roll back healthcare access, cut SNAP benefits, and weaken protections against racial profiling.
“Now he wants to use racist insults against the Obamas and all Black Americans to motivate MAGA and humiliate us,” Brown said. “We all should be alarmed.”
Policy Criticism and Project 2025
In her remarks, Brown also tied the post to broader concerns about Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda she says has already harmed working- and middle-class Americans, particularly Black and brown communities.
She accused Trump of targeting marginalized groups “from day one” and warned that similar tactics could continue if left unchecked.
“Trash like this is exactly what I’m fighting against in Congress,” she said, adding that opposition would continue “in Congress, in the courts, and in the community.”
A Call for Resistance and Resilience
Despite the anger expressed, Brown clarified that her comments are to portray resolve rather than despair, invoking the legacy of past Black leaders who confronted bigotry and systemic racism.
“Just like Black leaders before us prevailed against the hatred of their time,” she said, “we too will rise above your bigotry.”
She closed her remarks by reaffirming the significance of Black History Month, emphasizing that it would not be overshadowed by what she described as deliberate attempts to provoke outrage and division.
“One more thing,” Brown said. “Happy Black History Month.”
Although a great majority of people who have commented on the video have condemned it, Trump has not issued a formal apology or clarification regarding the AI-generated publication at the time of publication.
