Christian Music Icon Sandi Patty Calls on President Trump To Apologize to ‘America, Especially Black America’

The night of Thursday, Feb. 5, a video was shared to President Trump’s Truth Social account that included a clip depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as primates. Comparisons of Black people to monkeys have long been used as a racist trope.

At first, on Feb. 6 White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the widespread outcry against the video “fake outrage.” However, after her comments, the video was taken down. A White House official told media outlets that a staff member had accidentally posted the video.

When asked on Feb. 6 whether he was going to apologize, Trump said, “No, I didn’t make a mistake.” 

“I mean…I look at a lot of, thousands of things. And I looked at the beginning of it,” he said. “It was fine.” 

“I guess during the end of it, there was some kind of a picture that people don’t like,” said Trump. “I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it.” When asked if he condemned the racist parts of the video, the president said, “Of course I do.” 

While some are downplaying the seriousness of the clip on the grounds that it appeared to have autoplayed, numerous Christian leaders, even among Trump’s supporters, have denounced the post.

RELATED: Jentezen Franklin Calls on Donald Trump To Denounce ‘Terrible’ Truth Social Post Depicting the Obamas as Apes

Various Christian and secular artists, including CeCe Winans, Sheryl Crow, and Kristin Chenoweth, commented on Patty’s video, expressing their appreciation for Patty and her post. “Thank you!!” said CeCe Winans. Winans’ brother BeBe Winans said to Patty, “Love you, always have and always will.” 

Sheryl Crow commented, “I grew up listening to you sing. You had one of my favorite voices. Not just in Christian music, but across the board. Thank you for using your voice to speak truth.”

Kristin Chenoweth said, “Amen.”

“The Queen has spoken!” said Clay Aiken. Tammy Franklin said, “Thank you.”

Other artists who expressed their appreciation for Patty were Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jamie Grace, and Ellie Holcomb.