World News
Donald Trump Faces Fresh Criticism After Sharing Altered Image of Barack and Michelle Obama Near Air Force One
US President Donald Trump has sparked renewed controversy after sharing an altered image depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama standing beside an Air Force One aircraft covered in graffiti.
US President Donald Trump has sparked renewed controversy after sharing an altered image depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama standing beside an Air Force One aircraft covered in graffiti.
The image, posted on Sunday, shows the Obamas smiling and waving while standing near a presidential aircraft painted with graffiti containing phrases such as “Yes We Can,” “Obama,” and “BLM,” an abbreviation for Black Lives Matter. The edited image also included Arabic text reading “Alhamdulillah,” a phrase commonly translated as “Praise be to God.”
The post quickly attracted attention online, with critics arguing that the imagery carried political and racial undertones. Analysts have noted that graffiti has historically been used in certain contexts as a symbol associated with urban decline and crime, making its appearance in the image particularly controversial.
Earlier Controversy Resurfaces
The latest social media post comes months after another widely criticised image linked to Trump depicted the Obamas as primates in a jungle setting. That post was eventually removed following backlash from civil rights groups, political leaders and members of both major US political parties.
Trump has faced criticism over the years for comments and statements concerning Barack Obama, including promoting false claims about Obama’s birthplace and making remarks that opponents have described as inflammatory and divisive.
The earlier image shared during February’s Black History Month celebrations was removed after strong public criticism. At the time, Trump declined to issue an apology, while reports indicated that a staff member was later held responsible for publishing the post.
Air Force One Remains a Sensitive Political Topic
The controversy also comes at a time when Air Force One has been in the spotlight. Last week, Trump reportedly travelled aboard a newly modified Boeing 747-800 aircraft valued at approximately USD 400 million and gifted by Qatar.
The aircraft features a redesigned exterior, replacing the traditional light-blue colour scheme associated with Air Force One with a darker blue design accented by red and gold stripes, reflecting Trump’s preferred aesthetic choices.
No Immediate Response From White House or Obama Representatives
Trump spent Sunday at his golf club in Virginia after attending Independence Day celebrations and events marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in Washington on Saturday evening.
The White House did not immediately issue a statement regarding the social media post. Representatives for Barack and Michelle Obama also had not publicly commented on the matter at the time of publication.
