By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The former president reposted a message from a far-right activist accusing Michelle Obama of being “anti-white racist” and demanded Netflix fire Susan Rice, an Obama-era official. These actions occurred as the former president prepared for a congressional address and followed a controversy involving an AI video depicting the Obamas as apes. The activist’s post also targeted the Obamas’ production company and a potential Warner Bros. and Netflix merger, fueled by concerns about their growing influence.
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President Trump recently amplified a right-wing conspiracy theorist’s post that characterized Michelle Obama as an “anti-white racist.” This action followed his own previous sharing of a racist AI-generated video depicting the former First Lady and her husband as apes. The reposted message, originating from far-right activist Laura Loomer, not only leveled the “anti-white racist” accusation against Michelle Obama but also linked her and former President Obama to a supposed expansion of influence within streaming services, specifically mentioning Netflix and Warner Bros. Loomer expressed concern that the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground Productions, which has content on Netflix, would be used to promote “Democrats’ upcoming witch hunts against Trump.”
Trump’s own commentary accompanying Loomer’s post targeted another prominent Black woman from the Obama administration, former White House adviser Susan Rice. He demanded that Netflix immediately fire Rice, who serves on the company’s executive board, or “pay the consequences.” This threat against Netflix came at a time when the company was involved in a significant merger negotiation with Warner Bros., a deal that was already under scrutiny by regulators. Trump’s involvement, by injecting a political “loyalty test” into the merger review, significantly complicated the situation for Netflix, potentially forcing them to choose between business interests and crossing the White House.
The timing of Trump’s engagement with these narratives is noteworthy, particularly in the context of upcoming political events and ongoing controversies. His reposting of Loomer’s accusations against Michelle Obama and his aggressive stance towards Susan Rice occurred as he was preparing to face Democrats in Congress at the State of the Union address. This move also serves as a potent distraction, diverting attention from other pressing matters, such as the unreleased Epstein files, which are a subject of considerable interest and concern.
The broader implications of Trump’s actions extend to his base and the perception of racism within the Republican party. Critics argue that these incidents demonstrate a deliberate doubling down on racist rhetoric, with his supporters appearing unwilling or unable to acknowledge or reject his consistent engagement with such content. Some observers note a perceived shift in Trump’s social media style, likening it to an aging individual struggling with technology, which, they contend, diminishes the impact of his pronouncements compared to earlier, more globally attention-grabbing statements.
Furthermore, the context of Laura Loomer’s history adds another layer to this discussion. Loomer herself has faced accusations of racism, including a widely condemned incident where she allegedly used a racial slur against a Black congresswoman. Her past involvement in promoting a “loyalty-driven purge” of officials and her tendency to generate inflammatory content that Trump readily engages with highlight a symbiotic relationship where divisive rhetoric is amplified and exploited.
The narrative surrounding Michelle Obama being labeled “racist” by Loomer and amplified by Trump is particularly ironic given the historical context of discussions around race in America. The notion that advocating for a more honest understanding of U.S. history, including slavery, Jim Crow, and the exploitation of various ethnic groups, or supporting institutions like Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), could be construed as “anti-white racism” is a viewpoint that many find deeply problematic and indicative of a distorted perception.
Ultimately, Trump’s repeated engagement with racially charged content and conspiracy theories, even when it involves personal attacks on prominent Black figures like the Obamas, underscores a persistent pattern of behavior. This pattern appears designed to resonate with a specific segment of his base while simultaneously alienating a broader audience and serving as a deflection from other controversies. The consistent reemergence of these themes, particularly following the circulation of racist imagery, suggests a calculated strategy of provocation and distraction within the political landscape.