In the day's other headlines, the White House defended then removed a racist depiction

of the Obamas from President Trump's social media.

It was posted shortly before midnight, and it was met with anger from Democrats and some

members of the president's own party.

The president's post, which borrowed imagery from this video, was deleted after backlash on both sides of the aisle.

The video on Truth Social, focusing on debunked claims about the 2020 election, included a racist animation,

a former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, their heads superimposed on the bodies of apes.

The president's post sparking widespread condemnation from lawmakers.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffrey said,

the Obamas are brilliant, compassionate, and patriotic Americans.

They represent the best of this country.

Donald Trump is a vile, unhinged, and malignant bottom feeder.

Republican Senator Roger Wicker. This is totally unacceptable. The president should take it down and apologize.

And this from Senator Tim Scott, praying it was fake because it's the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House.

White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt initially defended

the actions of her boss. This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the king of

the jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King. Please stop the fake outrage and report on

something today that actually matters to the American public. It should be noted there are no

ape characters in the Lion King.

A few hours after Levitt's defense, the post was deleted.

A White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a staffer erroneously posted

the video.

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