Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
John Harrell condemns Trump racist Lion King depiction of Obamas and Democrats
Chicago, IL – John Harrell Monday denounced as racist a video that portrayed former Presidenrt Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as “Apes.”
The “Lion King Meme” was distributed by President Donald Trump last week on his “Truth Social” social media network, and superimposed the faces of President Obama and Michele Obama on the bodies of Apes.
A Pastor and the co-founder of Black Men United who is running for the 8th Illinois House District, Harrell released the following statement in response to the posting of the racist video and President Trump’s refusal to apologize for sharing it on his social media.
“I want to address a troubling issue that has recently surfaced. I strongly condemn the racist act by President Donald Trump, who disrespected Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Former President Barack Obama by superimposing their images onto the body of an ape, falsely claiming it was from a Lion King scene.
“Firstly, it’s important to note the difference between an ape and an orangutan.
“As your state representative, I will take action by drafting a statewide resolution to denounce this racist behavior, affirming that such conduct has no place in the Office of the President. I will also push for our Senators and the legislative body to consider invoking the 25th Amendment or initiating impeachment proceedings.
“This incident is particularly egregious as it occurred during Black History Month, a time meant to honor our heritage and celebrate our culture. Such behavior is an affront to all of us, and without a sincere apology, it remains deeply demeaning: I assure you that I will advocate fiercely for our community on both the state and national stages. It is crucial that President Trump is held accountable for his actions.”
Co-founder of Black Men United and Pastor of both Proviso M.B.C. in Maywood and Chicago Northside New Hope M.B.C churches, Harrell has dedicated his life to uplift families and communities in need providing, food, water, job programs and securing county and state support for residents.
The 8th House District covers parts of north Austin and Garfield Park, as well as parts of Oak Park, Forest Park, Berwyn, Broadview, Cicero, Countryside, Hodgkins, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Westchester and Western Springs.
Harrell is a former US Army National Guard Veteran, co-founder and President of Black Men United Foundation with 37 Chapters nationwide, Pastor and Chairman of National Baptist Convention USA Inc., and a board member at the Triton College Foundation and at Loretto Hospital.
The 8th House District covers parts of north Austin and Garfield Park, as well as parts of Oak Park, Forest Park, Berwyn, Broadview, Cicero, Countryside, Hodgkins, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Westchester and Western Springs.
Voters can get assistance election services by visiting the John Harrell Campaign Office at 5449 W. Madison, or by visiting his website at HarrellForIllinois.com.
Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].
Follow RayHanania at Twitter
- Maria Pappas shares emotional stories of family, faith and perseverance during Romanian Heritage Center book signing - October 10, 2026
- The Cook County Treasurer and the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Attend Flag Raising and Kickoff Event Ahead of Columbus Day Parade - October 9, 2026
- Illinois Principals Association to host “Unlocking Potential” conference in October - October 8, 2026
