The uproar was caused by a video that Trump reposted, initially presented as a serious segment from the Patriot News Outlet. The video touched upon a Michigan investigation into the voting systems used in the 2020 presidential election—an election Trump has frequently criticized, alleging fraud despite lacking supporting evidence.

Throughout most of the video, it maintains a serious tone, showing what seems to be an ordinary interview. But in its final moments, the video takes a shocking turn. With “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” playing, an edited image appears showing the Obamas’ faces on monkey bodies in a jungle-like scenario.