Frankfort, Kentucky, October 28, 2025
The Republican Party of Kentucky is investigating a social media post by the Hardin County GOP that depicted former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. The post has been widely condemned, prompting remorse from the local party chair and condemnation from party leaders across the political spectrum. The state party has pledged to take appropriate action against those involved in the incident, amidst raising concerns about race and politics in the state.
Frankfort, Kentucky – The Republican Party of Kentucky is currently investigating a controversial social media post by the Hardin County Republican Party that depicted former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. This post, which has since been removed, has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.
State GOP Condemns Post
The video shared on the Hardin County GOP’s Facebook page has been described as “vile and reprehensible” by the Chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky. The state party has condemned hate in all forms and is actively investigating the incident, vowing to take the “harshest action available” against those responsible.
Local Party Chair’s Apology
Bobbie Coleman, the Chairwoman of the Hardin County Republican Party, acknowledged sharing the video and expressed remorse for “amplifying offensive imagery of former President Obama.” She noted her failure to consider the implications of the video, emphasizing that she does not hold racist views.
Background on the Video
The AI-generated video aimed to celebrate President Trump’s policy achievements by depicting him as a lion, while Democratic leaders were portrayed as various animals. However, the representation of the Obamas as apes has prompted criticism as a racist trope.
Bipartisan Condemnation
The posting has faced backlash from both political parties. A Republican consultant labeled the video as “unacceptable,” asserting that it sends an adverse signal to African Americans and independent voters. The Chair of the Hardin County Democratic Party labeled the post as “vile and racist,” asserting that such imagery has no place in political discussion.
Political Context
This occurrence is particularly notable within Kentucky’s political landscape, especially with the candidacy of Daniel Cameron, a Black Republican politician and former Attorney General, who is seen as a leading contender in the upcoming 2026 Senate race.
Investigation and Potential Consequences
The Republican Party of Kentucky is dedicated to resolving the issue and ensuring accountability. While no specific actions have been detailed regarding the individuals involved, the state party has reiterated its commitment to denouncing all forms of hate.
FAQ
What was the content of the controversial social media post?
The post depicted former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, a historically racist trope. The video also portrayed other Democratic leaders as various animals, with President Trump depicted as a lion.
What was the response from the Republican Party of Kentucky?
The state party condemned the post as “vile and reprehensible” and is actively investigating the matter, promising the “harshest action available to us” against those involved.
Did the Hardin County Republican Party Chair apologize?
Yes, Bobbie Coleman apologized for sharing the video, stating she did not consider its underlying meaning and emphasizing that she is not racist.
How has the incident been received by other political figures?
The post has been condemned by members of both parties. A Republican consultant called the video “unacceptable,” while the Chair of the Hardin County Democratic Party described it as “vile and racist.”
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Republican Party of Kentucky is actively investigating the matter and has not specified the actions it might take against those involved but has reiterated its commitment to condemning hate in all its forms.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Controversial Post | AI-generated video depicting Obamas as apes, other Democrats as animals, and Trump as a lion. |
| State GOP Response | Condemnation of the post and active investigation with potential harsh actions against those involved. |
| Local Chair’s Apology | Bobbie Coleman apologized for sharing the video, stating she did not consider its underlying meaning and emphasizing she is not racist. |
| Bipartisan Condemnation | Criticism from both parties, with calls for accountability and condemnation of the racist imagery. |
| Political Context | Incident gains attention given Kentucky’s political landscape, including the prominence of Black Republican politician Daniel Cameron. |
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