Full Breakdown
Trump Issues Apology to Oklahoma Governor, Not for Racist Meme
2/13/2026, 6:50:04 AM
Apology Context and Core Event
President Donald Trump recently issued a rare apology, but it was not for the controversial racist meme he shared depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. Instead, Trump expressed regret for endorsing Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, whom he criticized as a "very mediocre (at best!) RINO" (Republican in name only). This apology came after Stitt's insistence on maintaining the bipartisan integrity of the National Governors Association (NGA), which Trump chairs.
Background on the Controversial Meme
On February 5, 2026, Trump shared a video on his Truth Social platform that included an animated depiction of the Obamas' faces superimposed on the bodies of apes. The video was part of a longer clip that reiterated debunked claims regarding the 2020 presidential election. Following backlash from both Democrats and Republicans, the video was deleted approximately 12 hours later. Trump initially defended the post, stating he did not see the offensive part, claiming, “No, I didn’t make a mistake. I looked at the beginning of it. It was fine.”
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the meme, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago and Archbishop Edward Weisenburger of Detroit called for Trump to apologize, emphasizing that the harm caused by such actions is real. Cupich stated, “Nothing less than an unequivocal apology — to the nation and to the persons demeaned — is acceptable.” Weisenburger echoed this sentiment, condemning the meme as deeply offensive and inappropriate for political discourse.
Trump's Apology to Stitt
Trump's apology to Stitt came after the governor's decision to cancel an NGA meeting at the White House due to Trump's intention to exclude Democratic governors. Stitt later clarified that the meeting would proceed as planned, stating, “Because NGA’s mission is to represent all 55 governors, the association is no longer serving as the facilitator for that event.” Trump later claimed that invitations had been sent to all governors except for two he deemed unworthy, specifically targeting Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have pointed out the inconsistency in Trump's actions, as he chose to apologize to Stitt rather than addressing the widespread condemnation of the racist meme. U.S. Senator Tim Scott, a Black Republican, labeled the meme as “the most racist thing” he had seen from Trump’s administration. The backlash highlights a broader concern regarding Trump's approach to race and political discourse.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Trump insists he did not make a mistake regarding the meme, the calls for an apology from various leaders indicate a significant divide in public perception. The White House has not clarified whether Trump intends to address the calls for an apology regarding the meme, leaving questions about his accountability in this matter.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nothing less than an unequivocal apology – to the nation and to the persons demeaned – is acceptable.” — Cardinal Blase Cupich, Chicago
- “It is very disturbing that anyone, much less the President of the United States or his staff members, should see racist memes as humorous or appropriate expressions of political discourse,” — Archbishop Edward Weisenburger, Detroit
This situation underscores the complexities of Trump's political maneuvers and the ongoing discourse surrounding race in America.
