California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office mocked the White House after officials said a staffer — not Donald Trump — posted a racist social-media clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. The video, which also included baseless 2020-election claims, was live for about 12 hours before being removed, CNN reported. Newsom’s team amplified the administration’s admission with an “AUTOPEN!” post and an AI image, reviving debate over autopen use by presidents.
“AUTOPEN!” — Newsom Mocks White House After Racist Obama Clip Is Attributed To A Staffer
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office seized on the White House’s explanation after a racist social-media post — which depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes and repeated unfounded 2020-election claims — was attributed to a staffer rather than to former President Donald Trump himself.
The clip, which superimposed the Obamas’ faces onto simian bodies and included baseless conspiracy assertions, drew swift bipartisan condemnation and widespread media criticism. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially dismissed the backlash as “fake,” but the administration later removed the post and characterized it as an error.
Timeline and statements:
CNN White House correspondent Alayna Treene reported that the post was taken down after a senior White House official told her, “A White House staffer erroneously made the post. It has been taken down.” Treene added that the content “was up for 12 hours.” Politico reporter Sophia Cai also quoted a White House source saying, “President Trump didn’t see the video (legitimately didn’t), a staffer posted it.”
Newsom’s press shop amplified those admissions with a mocking post reading, “WOW! WHITE HOUSE SAYS TRUMP DOESN’T WRITE HIS OWN TWEETS??? AUTOPEN!” and shared an AI-generated image of an autopen signing a social-media post in Trump’s name. The image’s gilded frame echoed displays from Trump’s so-called “Presidential Walk of Fame,” where an autopen image was once hung in place of a portrait of President Joe Biden.
The episode also revived earlier controversy over the use of autopens in presidential business. Trump has criticized Biden’s use of the device — calling it “one of the greatest scandals of our time” — while also acknowledging his own use of an autopen in January when speaking to House Republicans.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing questions about accountability and oversight of official social-media accounts, how quickly offensive content can spread online, and the political theater that surrounds admissions of error. It also underscores how social-media missteps can reignite broader disputes — in this case, over autopen use and presidential authenticity.
Sources: CNN, Politico, Mediaite.
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