President Donald Trump is once again facing criticism after sharing an edited image on his Truth Social platform featuring former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama standing beside a graffiti-covered version of Air Force One.
The digitally altered image shows the Obamas smiling and waving while boarding a presidential aircraft that appears to have been spray-painted with various slogans, including "Yes We Can," "Obama," and "BLM." The image also includes Arabic text reading "Alhamdulillah," a phrase commonly translated as "Praise be to God."
The post quickly generated widespread discussion online, with critics arguing that the imagery carried controversial symbolism. Some observers said the use of graffiti and certain visual elements echoed negative stereotypes that have historically been associated with racist messaging. Others defended Trump's social media activity as political satire.
The post follows another controversial image shared earlier this year that depicted the Obamas as primates. That post received bipartisan criticism and was later removed. At the time, Trump did not issue an apology, while a staff member was reportedly blamed for publishing the content.
The timing of the latest image has also attracted attention because it comes shortly after Trump introduced a newly modified Air Force One aircraft. The Boeing 747-800, reportedly valued at around $400 million and gifted by Qatar, features a redesigned exterior with navy blue, red, and gold colors replacing the traditional light blue paint scheme used on previous presidential aircraft.
Trump shared the image one day after participating in Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C., marking the nation's 250th anniversary. Following the event, he spent Sunday at his Virginia golf club before preparing to travel to Turkey for meetings with NATO allies.
Neither the White House nor representatives for Barack and Michelle Obama immediately issued public comments regarding the post.
The Air Force One image is not the first manipulated photo Trump has shared involving his predecessor. Last month, he posted an edited image of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago that made the building appear surrounded by trash and described it as a future destination for people who "hate America." Trump has repeatedly criticized the project during public appearances and on social media.
Sunday's activity on Truth Social also included another edited image involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The post resurfaced previous claims by Trump suggesting Meloni repeatedly requested a photograph with him during a recent G7 summit. Meloni previously rejected those claims, calling them completely fabricated, while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to Washington following the controversy.
The latest series of posts has once again fueled debate over Trump's use of social media and the role of political imagery in modern campaigns. Supporters describe the posts as provocative political commentary, while critics argue they contribute to unnecessary division and controversy during an already polarized political climate.
