Former President Donald Trump, facing criticism for sharing a racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, claimed he only viewed the beginning of the clip before it was posted. The video, which was later removed, was part of a longer segment promoting conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Trump also signed an executive order threatening tariffs on countries trading with Iran.
The video, set to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," was shared late Thursday night and was among a series of links posted by Trump. According to the New York Times, the clip was the latest in a pattern of offensive imagery and slurs used by Trump. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Friday, Trump stated he "didn't see" the racist portion of the video and insisted he had nothing to apologize for. The BBC reported that Trump reiterated this claim, adding that he had only seen the beginning of the video before it was posted by a staff member and did not know it contained the offensive imagery.
In other news, Trump signed an executive order on Friday threatening to impose additional tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran. The order, as reported by the BBC, does not specify the exact rate of the tariffs but uses 25% as an example. It states that the tariffs could apply to goods imported into the US from any nation that "directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran." Trump has not directly commented on the order but reiterated "no nuclear weapons" for Iran when speaking from Air Force One on Friday night. This action comes as talks continue between senior US and Iranian officials in Oman.
In related news, during the 2026 Grammys, singer Billie Eilish's anti-ICE speech drew criticism from some. According to Fox News, "Real Time" host Bill Maher rebuked Eilish's speech, stating, "You don't know facts." Maher criticized what he called celebrity "virtue-signaling." Eilish, who won Song of the Year, declared, "No one is illegal on stolen land" during her acceptance speech.
In entertainment news, Bruce Rodgers, the set production designer for the Super Bowl halftime show since 2007, was highlighted for his work. The New York Times reported that Rodgers has transformed ideas and sketches from various artists. In 2007, Rodgers told producers he wanted only a few backup dancers and props onstage for Prince's performance. More recently, in 2023, he convinced Rihanna's creative team to use floating platforms to protect the grass field.
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