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Church Leaders Demand Trump Apologize for Racist Meme

2/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 9, 2026, Cardinal Blase Cupich and Archbishop Edward Weisenburger urged U.S. President Donald Trump to apologize for sharing a racist meme depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes on Truth Social.
The meme drew condemnation from Republican Senator Tim Scott, who called it "the most racist thing" from Trump's administration.
Trump refused to apologize.
Cupich emphasized the historical harm of dehumanizing imagery.

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Story summary

On February 9, 2026, Cardinal Blase Cupich and Archbishop Edward Weisenburger urged U.S. President Donald Trump to apologize for sharing a racist meme depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes on Truth Social.
The meme drew condemnation from Republican Senator Tim Scott, who called it "the most racist thing" from Trump's administration.
Trump refused to apologize.
Cupich emphasized the historical harm of dehumanizing imagery.