Pastor Mark Burns demands POTUS 'immediately' fire staffer behind AI video of Obamas

WASHINGTON, DC: Mark Burns, who is part of the group called "Pastors of Trump," said he personally demanded that President Donald Trump “fire immediately” the staffer who uploaded the AI-generated video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes to POTUS' Truth Social account. 

The White House later commented on the issue, with officials telling reporters that a “staffer erroneously made the post." The person’s name has not been shared publicly. 

The clip spread fast across social media and drew strong criticism before it was taken down.

The Obamas have not spoken publicly about the situation so far. The debate is still active online, with many people arguing about responsibility and the growing impact of AI-generated political content.

Mark Burns says Trump assured him 'clearly and unequivocally' that he did not post the clip

Mark Burns said he made a “direct and firm” recommendation on how President Donald Trump should handle the situation.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) shared on Friday, February 6, Burns described a private conversation with Trump and detailed his reaction. "I just spoke directly with President Trump regarding the offensive Obama ape video that circulated online," Burns wrote.

"The President assured me clearly and unequivocally that he did not post it. He understands the painful and racist history in America of depicting African Americans as apes, a tactic long used by white supremacists to demean Black intelligence and humanity. He knows this is wrong, offensive, and unacceptable."

"The President made it clear to me that this post was made by a staffer and not by him. My recommendation to the President was direct and firm. That staffer should be fired immediately, and the President should publicly condemn this action," he continued. 

"This kind of insensitive and racist communication does not reflect the heart, values, or leadership of the President of the United States, nor does it represent the America we are striving to build. Racism must be confronted, not excused. Accountability matters. And leaders must always speak clearly when lines are crossed," he concluded. 

Trump finally speaks out on AI-generated video of Obamas

While traveling from Washington to Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump was asked by reporters about the controversial AI-generated post that shook social media. The animated clip provocatively depicted Barack and Michelle Obama.

The Republican leader remained calm and, in his usual tone, said he had seen the video but had not watched it in full. When pressed on whether he planned to apologize for the video, he clearly stated that he “will not” issue any apologies.

Earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the clip, calling it part of a “meme video depicting Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King.” She added, “Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public."