Donald Trump’s latest social media controversy is reportedly creating serious strain inside the White House, according to veteran Trump biographer Michael Wolff.
The uproar began after Trump shared a video on his verified account highlighting alleged voting machine issues. Toward the end of the clip, however, an offensive segment appeared that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes dancing in a jungle to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The video was later deleted, but not before it triggered widespread outrage.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the post as “disgusting,” while critics accused Trump of once again leaning into racially charged imagery. Trump attempted to deflect responsibility, insisting the video was uploaded by a staff member and claiming, “I didn’t make a mistake.”
Michael Wolff disputes that explanation. On his Inside Trump’s Head podcast, he said people inside the White House privately believe Trump was directly responsible for the post. Wolff described staff reactions as alarmed, noting that aides felt something had clearly pushed the president beyond even his usual boundaries. This comes as Trump continues making dramatic public claims, including suggesting he will make it to the end of his term despite mounting concerns and issuing remarks that have repeatedly forced news networks to halt coverage mid-broadcast.
Publicly, the White House rushed into damage-control mode. Officials initially dismissed the clip as an internet meme, echoing earlier defenses seen when the administration tried to justify the racist video. Trump later refused to apologize, further intensifying criticism from political leaders and media figures alike.
Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes weighed in sharply, saying Trump’s behavior would ultimately define his legacy. His comments followed renewed backlash after Gavin Newsom slammed Trump’s behavior as vile and dangerous and as commentators across major networks questioned whether Trump’s conduct reflected deeper issues. Those concerns have only grown amid rising fears about Trump’s health and cognitive decline.
The controversy also unfolded alongside Trump’s familiar pattern of posting rambling messages on Truth Social. Many of those posts again repeated the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen, despite a complete lack of evidence. The posts arrived as Trump lashed out at reporters, sparked on-air confrontations, and generated moments so awkward that even some supporters admitted they were difficult to watch.
Taken together, the episode highlights a widening gap between Trump’s public bravado and the private concerns reportedly shared by those closest to him. While allies continue dismissing each incident as “fake outrage,” critics argue the pattern itself tells a much larger story one that is becoming harder to ignore with every new controversy.
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