News - Trump's Private Anger at GOP Senators Over Criticisms of Racist Video

In a recent controversy, former President Donald Trump expressed significant displeasure with two GOP Senators following their criticism of a video he shared that portrayed Barack and Michelle Obama in a racially derogatory manner. According to sources familiar with Trump's remarks, he removed the video after substantial backlash but refrained from issuing an apology. Senators Katie Britt and Tim Scott drew Trump's ire for their public denouncement. Tim Scott, the only Black Republican senator, was notably vocal, expressing his disbelief and calling out the video's racism. Trump believed such matters should be handled in private, questioning Scott's decision to publicly criticize. Scott's and Britt’s comments were made during their stay in Palm Beach for an NRSC event. Reports suggest Britt received particularly harsh critique from Trump in his subsequent private discussions. Despite this, Britt's office dismissed the reports as 'fake news,' emphasizing a positive working rapport with Trump. The White House later clarified the situation, suggesting the video was mistakenly shared by a staffer and asserting Trump had high regard for Britt, labeling her an 'incredible ally.' This incident adds to Trump's history of controversial, racially insensitive remarks, yet it elicited rare bipartisan condemnation, including from within his own party. Several aides, including Natalie Harp and Dan Scavino, manage Trump's social media presence, but he refrained from naming specific individuals responsible, deferring to a vague explanation that blamed an unspecified staff error. Far-right figure Laura Loomer has begun compiling a list of GOP senators she claims have falsely accused Trump of racism, a move highlighting internal party tensions. Members of Trump's circle, including Eric Schmitt and Lindsey Graham, were seen fraternizing with Trump after the incident, underscoring division within the party over allegiance and response to divisive issues.