URGENT UPDATE: U.S. Catholic bishops are vocally condemning President Donald Trump following his recent social media post that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as cartoon apes. The post, which was shared on February 5, 2023, has since been deleted, but the fallout is immediate and significant.
In a statement released just hours ago, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed deep sorrow over Trump’s actions, with Bishop Daniel Garcia calling the post “egregious.” He emphasized that every racist act is a failure to recognize others as “brothers and sisters, created in the image of God.” The bishops are demanding an immediate apology from the President, regardless of his intentions.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, stated, “Either way he should apologize. Our shock is real. So is our outrage.” He noted that the imagery used in the post is a “blatant racism” that should not be tolerated in today’s society.
In a stark reminder of the historical context, Cupich highlighted that such portrayals have historically been used to dehumanize marginalized groups. He urged Trump to acknowledge the severity of his actions, whether intentional or not. “If the president intentionally approved the message containing viciously racist images, he should admit it. If he did not know of it originally, he should explain why he let his staff describe the public outcry as fake outrage,” he added.
Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger also condemned the post, labeling it a “racist meme.” He criticized the idea that such representations could be seen as humorous or appropriate, stating, “They are deeply offensive and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
The response from the Catholic community reflects a broader outrage across the nation. Sister Josephine Garrett, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, expressed her dismay on social media, calling the depiction an “age-old racist trope.” She emphasized the importance of honoring the dignity of the Obamas, especially during Black History Month.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish-American Catholic organization, also issued a statement condemning Trump’s post, stating, “There is nothing lighthearted about reducing any people to apes.” They called the justification of the post as merely an “internet meme” both morally bankrupt and historically ignorant.
Trump’s post came during a video segment that primarily focused on claims of election fraud. It was only at the 59-second mark that the offensive imagery appeared. When questioned about the post, Trump insisted, “I just looked at the first part,” and claimed he did not see the entirety of the video until it was too late.
Despite acknowledging the racist imagery, Trump has refused to apologize, stating, “No; I didn’t make a mistake,” and added that he only viewed parts of the video he deemed acceptable. The Obamas have not yet publicly addressed the incident.
As this story continues to develop, the call for accountability from the bishops and other leaders is clear. The implications of Trump’s post resonate deeply, touching on ongoing issues of racism and societal division in America today.
What’s Next: The bishops and other leaders are urging not only an apology but a collective examination of the pervasive racism in society. The pressure is mounting on Trump to respond to these calls for accountability. As more voices join the chorus demanding change, the national conversation on racism may be reignited.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
