URGENT UPDATE: U.S. Catholic bishops are demanding an apology from President Donald Trump following his controversial social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as cartoon apes. The post, shared on February 5, 2024, has since been deleted, but the backlash is intensifying as leaders from the Catholic community express their outrage.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) condemned the post, with Bishop Daniel Garcia stating he was “glad to see that the egregious post has been taken down.” He emphasized that “every racist act… is a failure to acknowledge another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God.” The bishops are calling for immediate accountability from Trump, who has refused to apologize for the depiction, insisting he did not intend to offend.
In a powerful statement issued on February 9, Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, stated, “Our shock is real. So is our outrage. Nothing less than an unequivocal apology — to the nation and to the persons demeaned — is acceptable.” He highlighted the historical context of such racist imagery, asserting that it reflects a troubling reality that persists in today’s society.
The social media uproar began when Trump posted a video that predominantly focused on claims regarding election fraud. At the 59-second mark, the offensive imagery appeared, igniting outrage across the nation. When questioned about the post, Trump claimed, “I just looked at the first part… I didn’t see the whole thing.” He later stated he condemns the racist portion but maintained he would not apologize, saying, “No; I didn’t make a mistake.”
Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger also condemned the meme as “deeply offensive,” calling for a public apology from Trump. He urged a collective examination of conscience to address the pervasive issue of racism in society. “We need to recognize and acknowledge how prevalent racism continues to be,” he emphasized.
Sister Josephine Garrett of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth expressed her dismay on Instagram, labeling the depiction “an age-old racist trope.” She shared images of the Obamas to honor their dignity during Black History Month.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish-American Catholic organization, condemned the post, asserting that reducing any people to apes is a historical tool of oppression. “There is nothing lighthearted about this,” they stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.
As the fallout continues, the Obamas have yet to publicly respond to the incident. This developing story highlights significant societal tensions surrounding race and the responsibilities of public figures in addressing them.
The call for accountability from the bishops underscores the urgency of this matter, as many await Trump’s next moves in the wake of this controversy. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
