U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked widespread criticism after sharing a video on his Truth Social platform that briefly included imagery depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama in animal form.

The one-minute video, largely focused on allegations about irregularities in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, included a brief segment toward the end in which the Obamas’ faces were shown superimposed on animated figures resembling animals. The clip was posted late Thursday as part of a series of messages on Trump’s social media feed.

Political and Public Reaction

Democratic leaders and commentators quickly condemned the post. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office described the inclusion of the imagery as “disgusting behavior” and called on political leaders across the aisle to reject it.

Other critics called the depiction offensive and racially insensitive, arguing it was inappropriate for the nation’s president to share such content. Prominent figures from both parties voiced concerns about the tone and implications of the post.

Election Claims and Context

Beyond the visuals, the video recycled false claims about voting machines and alleged irregularities in key battleground states during the 2020 election claims that have been widely debunked by election officials and independent fact-checkers.

The video also drew attention because it was part of a broader late-night posting spree by Trump that included a range of political commentary and conspiracy-related content on various topics.

Broader Debate

Supporters of the president framed the posting as part of political expression, while opponents said it crossed a line and fed into harmful stereotypes. The debate highlights ongoing tensions around social media use, political communication, and race in American politics.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that supporting the United States in the fight against the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and other parts of the world is a top priority for Israel’s government in 2026.

Netanyahu made the remarks during a conversation with evangelical community leaders in Florida, shortly after a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

“I want you to know that I spoke with President Trump yesterday. I said this publicly too. I see the battle against us and the battle against our Judeo-Christian tradition being waged around the globe,” Netanyahu said.

According to the Israeli leader, the persecution of Christians is being driven by what he described as radical Islamist forces, operating across multiple regions.

“That battle is waged primarily by two forces: radical Shiite Islam and radical Sunni Islam. That means the axis led by Iran, much battered admittedly, but still there, and the Sunni axis led by the Muslim Brotherhood,” he said.

Netanyahu specifically mentioned Nigeria while listing countries where Christians face persecution.

“They go to Europe, they go to the United States, they go to Africa — Nigeria. And we are conscious of the fact that Christians are being persecuted across the Middle East, in Syria, in Lebanon, in Nigeria, in Turkey and beyond,” he added.

The Israeli Prime Minister stressed that Israel is prepared to actively support U.S.-led efforts to defend Christian communities worldwide.

“Faith should speak its voice, and terrorism should be confronted not understood, confronted and defeated. And that is what we’re engaging right now,” Netanyahu said.

He further described Israel as a country that has consistently protected Christian communities within its borders.

“We’re also aware of the fact that one country protects the Christian community, enables it to grow, defends it, and makes sure that it thrives and that country is Israel. There is no other. None,” he stated.

Netanyahu revealed plans for what he described as a global coalition of nations aimed at supporting persecuted Christian communities.

“We are joining an effort to have basically a United Nations of countries that support Christian communities around the world beleaguered communities who deserve our help,” he said.

According to him, Israel is prepared to provide intelligence support in Africa, including Nigeria, and other undisclosed assistance in the Middle East.

“In Africa, with intel. In the Middle East, with a lot of means that I won’t itemize. This is a main part of our agenda, and it’s going to continue with greater force and greater might in this coming year,” Netanyahu added.

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Netanyahu’s comments come barely a week after U.S. airstrikes were reportedly carried out against terrorist targets in Nigeria, amid growing international concern over insecurity and religious violence in the country.

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American rap superstar Nicki Minaj has renewed her call for global action to stop violence against Christians in Nigeria. In a series of posts on Friday, she urged world leaders to intervene, writing: “You have grieved the Holy Spirit” and “SHED NOT THEIR BLOOD ANYMORE.”

Her comments follow her November address at the United Nations, where she appeared alongside faith leaders and U.S. officials to highlight rising attacks on Christian communities. Minaj echoed long-standing claims by activists that Fulani militants, Boko Haram, and criminal bandits have carried out targeted killings across Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied allegations of religious genocide, insisting the insecurity is driven by banditry, land pressures, and communal conflicts rather than a coordinated campaign against Christians.

However, the United States has imposed visa restrictions on individuals accused of fueling the violence and is reportedly considering broader sanctions, citing thousands of deaths recorded in recent years and widespread displacement.

Minaj’s intervention has reignited global conversation about Nigeria’s security crisis, with religious groups urging international bodies to intensify pressure for reforms and stronger protection for vulnerable communities.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has moved to exclude South Africa from the 2026 G20 Summit scheduled to take place in Miami, marking an unprecedented break in the group’s tradition of inclusive participation.

The development follows Washington’s high-level boycott of South Africa’s 2025 G20 summit, which the U.S. skipped over concerns related to violence against white farmers—a situation Trump has repeatedly described as a “genocide.” Fact-checkers and human rights monitors have rejected this characterization, noting that while farm attacks remain a serious security issue, there is no evidence of a systematic campaign of extermination.

South Africa has strongly disputed Trump’s claims, including his account of how the G20 presidency was transferred. Officials in Pretoria say the U.S. delegation had already opted to stay away from the summit, with the eventual handover occurring through an embassy representative rather than formal high-level participation.

Although the G20 operates without strict rules that authorize the exclusion of member states, Trump’s decision raises new questions about the organization’s cohesion ahead of the U.S.-hosted conference. Germany has already urged Washington to ensure South Africa’s inclusion, warning that sidelining a member could undermine the group’s credibility.

The move could also affect U.S.–South Africa relations more broadly. Annual American assistance to Pretoria estimated between $100 million and $500 million may now face political scrutiny.

Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot Wednesday just two blocks from the White House in what authorities are calling a targeted attack. The soldiers remain alive and in critical condition, FBI Director Kash Patel said.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially announced the soldiers had died but later retracted the statement, saying his office was “receiving conflicting reports.” Local officials also confirmed the troops were hospitalized in critical condition.

A suspect, who was taken into custody, was also shot and sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

“This is a targeted shooting,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said, noting that investigators are reviewing surveillance footage.

Exchange of Gunfire

According to officials familiar with the investigation, the suspect walked up to the soldiers and opened fire. At least one of the Guardsmen returned fire. Authorities are still working to determine the shooter’s motive, including whether the troops were specifically targeted.

The shooting unfolded on a busy street near the White House. Videos posted to social media showed first responders performing CPR on one soldier as another received treatment on a shattered, glass-covered sidewalk. Police officers were seen restraining a suspect nearby.

Witness Account

Stacy Walters, who was in a car near the scene, said she heard two gunshots before witnessing people running. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this, and we’re getting ready for the holidays?” she said.

Emergency responders transported all three injured individuals to a hospital, according to DC Fire and EMS spokesperson Vito Maggiolo.

Ongoing Tensions Over Guard Deployment

The National Guard’s presence in Washington has been a contentious political issue for months. In August, more than 300 West Virginia Guard members were deployed to the capital following an emergency order by President Donald Trump, who federalized the local police force. Although that order expired, many troops remained on the streets.

Last week, a federal judge ordered the Guard deployment to end but paused her ruling for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to comply or appeal.

Reactions From Leaders

President Donald Trump, speaking from Florida, vowed that the gunman “will pay a very steep price,” calling the attacker an “animal” in a statement on Truth Social.

Vice President JD Vance, addressing troops at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, urged Americans to pray for the wounded soldiers. “It’s a somber reminder that our soldiers… are the sword and the shield of the United States,” he said.

Mayor Bowser, who earlier in the day announced she would not seek reelection, said her administration is actively monitoring the situation.

Heavy Police Presence

The shooting scene was locked down with police tape as emergency lights flashed overhead. Agents from the Secret Service, FBI, and ATF responded, and at least one helicopter landed on the National Mall while Guard troops secured the perimeter.

The investigation remains active, with officials reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses as they work to determine the suspect’s motive.

AP

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