GOP Rep. Lawler says image posted by Trump mocking Obamas was 'racist' [View all]

Source: ABC News

February 8, 2026, 11:41 AM


New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler reiterated his criticism of President Donald Trump on Sunday after a post from Trump last week included a racist animation of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama depicted as apes.

"I think sometimes in our public discourse it is best to just say, 'I'm sorry,'" Lawler told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl.

Lawler, who was one of the first Republicans to criticize Trump over the post on Friday, said that he is taking the White House at its word that the post was a "mistake" made by a staffer.

Lawler added that whoever originally created the meme "is an idiot."

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/gop-rep-lawler-image-posted-trump-mocking-obamas/story?id=129964153