Roland Martin Unfiltered
Roland Martin Unfiltered
February 7, 2026

Trump attacks Obamas with racist video. Army vet faces deportation. Harry Dunn House bid

Quick Read

This episode exposes a series of political and social controversies, from alleged racist attacks by a former President and aggressive federal immigration tactics to local legislative battles over redistricting and a veteran's deportation fight.
Former President Trump faced bipartisan backlash for reposting a video depicting the Obamas as monkeys.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order to hold ICE agents accountable for local law violations, challenging federal immunity.
Virginia Democrats pushed a 10-1 congressional map, while a US Army veteran with 50+ years in the country faces deportation over old charges.

Summary

The episode opens with a strong condemnation of former President Trump for reposting a video depicting the Obamas as monkeys, drawing bipartisan criticism. It then shifts to legislative actions, detailing Virginia's push for a 10-1 Democratic congressional map and Maryland's internal party struggles over redistricting. Federal actions are scrutinized, including controversial US military drug trafficking strikes in the Pacific and the Trump administration's 'TrumpRx.gov' initiative for prescription discounts. A significant portion covers immigration, highlighting the imminent deportation of a 50-year US resident and Army veteran, Godfrey Wade, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's executive order to hold ICE agents accountable for local law violations. Other segments touch on former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn's congressional bid, a new HHS initiative for homelessness and opioid addiction, a half-million-dollar campaign to support Black media, the dismissal of a lawsuit against Starbucks' DEI policies, and Pizza Hut's plan to close 250 underperforming locations. The episode concludes with an interview with spoken word artist Lex the Gentleman, discussing his book 'Lost and Found' and the journey of rediscovering purpose through faith.
This episode provides a snapshot of pressing political, social, and economic issues, demonstrating how national policies and rhetoric impact individuals and communities at local levels. It highlights ongoing debates around racial justice, immigration enforcement, electoral integrity, and corporate social responsibility, offering a critical perspective on the challenges facing American democracy and society.

Takeaways

  • Former President Trump reposted a video on Truth Social depicting the Obamas as monkeys, drawing widespread condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum.
  • Virginia passed a 10-1 Democratic congressional redistricting plan, but it faces a legal challenge in the State Supreme Court.
  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order to investigate and document suspected illegal activities by federal immigration agents, aiming to hold them accountable under local and state laws.
  • US Army veteran Godfrey Wade, a 50-year US resident, faces imminent deportation due to a 2014 removal order stemming from minor charges from 2006-2007.
  • Starbucks successfully dismissed a lawsuit from the Missouri Attorney General alleging discrimination and higher prices due to its DEI hiring policies.

Insights

1Trump's Racist Video Post and Bipartisan Condemnation

Former President Donald Trump reposted a video on Truth Social that critics deemed racist, depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys. The video also referenced his debunked claims about winning the 2020 election. White House Press Secretary Carolina Levit dismissed the outrage, falsely claiming the video referenced 'Lion King' characters. The NAACP and Republican Senator Tim Scott were among those who condemned the post, with Scott calling it 'the most racist thing I've seen out of the White House.'

Trump reposted a video on Truth Social; White House press secretary Carolina Levit's response; NAACP and Senator Tim Scott's statements.

2Virginia Democrats Push for 10-1 Congressional Map Amid Legal Challenge

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a bill creating a 10-1 Democratic congressional district map, aiming to 'level the playing field' against alleged Republican gerrymandering. The plan, agreed upon by House Speaker Don Scott and Senate Speaker Pro Tem Louise Lucas, is intended to counter efforts seen in states like Texas and North Carolina. However, Republicans filed a lawsuit, arguing Democrats failed to follow legal procedures, and a state judge agreed, sending the case to the Virginia State Supreme Court.

Governor Spanberger signed the bill; 10-1 plan details; Republican lawsuit and state judge's ruling.

3US Military Drug Trafficking Strikes in Eastern Pacific Raise Legality Concerns

The US military conducted a strike against a suspected drug trafficking boat in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in two deaths. This operation is part of a Trump administration campaign that has led to at least 119 deaths since September. The legality of these strikes is questioned due to a lack of evidence provided by the administration to support claims that those killed were cartel-affiliated or that vessels contained illegal substances.

US Southern Command reported two deaths; 119 total deaths since September; questions regarding legality and evidence.

4Chicago Mayor Challenges ICE Immunity with Executive Order

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an 'ICE on Notice' executive order, directing the Chicago Police Department to investigate and document suspected illegal activities by federal immigration agents. This initiative aims to hold ICE accountable for local and state law violations, countering federal immunity. Johnson cited instances of alleged misconduct, including the shooting of a father, a woman shot five times, raids on Black families, and an illegal chokehold on a Black man, arguing that local governments must act when the federal government fails to hold itself accountable.

Mayor Johnson's 'ICE on Notice' order; examples of alleged ICE misconduct in Chicago; Johnson's statement on federal vs. local accountability.

5Army Veteran Faces Deportation After 50+ Years in US

Godfrey Wade, a Georgia Army veteran and father of six, faces imminent deportation after living in the US for over 50 years since entering legally in 1975. He was detained by ICE following a traffic stop for driving without a license, triggered by a 2014 removal order related to a bounced check in 2007 and a simple assault charge in 2006. Members of Congress from both parties have urged the Department of Homeland Security to reopen his case.

Godfrey Wade's background (Jamaica-born, 1975 entry, 50+ years in US, Army vet, father of six); arrest details (turn signal, no license); ICE detention based on 2014 removal order (2007 bounced check, 2006 assault); Congressional appeals.

6Trump Administration Launches TrumpRx.gov for Out-of-Pocket Drug Discounts

The Trump administration launched TrumpRx.gov, a website designed to help Americans find discounts on brand-name medications. However, these discounts are only accessible if customers pay out-of-pocket and are not enrolled in government insurance programs like Medicare, nor can they seek reimbursement. The site acts as a hub directing users to drug manufacturers (AstraZeneca, Lilly, EMD Serono, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer) that have reached pricing agreements.

TrumpRx.gov launch; conditions for discount access (out-of-pocket, no government insurance, no reimbursement); listed manufacturers.

7Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn Launches Second Congressional Bid

Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police Officer who gained national recognition for his January 6th testimony, is making a second attempt at a congressional seat in Maryland. He enters a crowded Democratic primary, stating his frustration with Congress's inaction and drawing parallels between the aggression he witnessed on January 6th and that of ICE agents.

Harry Dunn's background (Capitol Police, Jan 6 testimony); second congressional bid; campaign message linking Jan 6 and ICE aggression.

8Starbucks DEI Lawsuit Dismissed by Federal Judge

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Missouri Attorney General's office against Starbucks, which alleged that the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies led to higher customer prices and longer wait times by not hiring the most qualified workers. The judge ruled that the state failed to prove Starbucks discriminated against any single Missouri resident who worked at or applied for a job with the company.

Missouri AG's lawsuit claims (DEI, higher prices, longer waits, executive pay tied to racial/gender goals); US District Judge John Ross's ruling.

9Pizza Hut to Close 250 Underperforming Locations

Pizza Hut plans to close approximately 250 underperforming locations across the US by mid-2026 as part of Yum Brands' 'Hut Forward' strategy to restructure and improve profitability. The company's new $5 pizza offer reportedly 'fell flat' with customers, contributing to declining domestic same-store sales, while other Yum Brands like Taco Bell and KFC continue to grow.

250 Pizza Hut closures; 'Hut Forward' strategy; $5 pizza offer's failure; declining domestic sales; growth of Taco Bell and KFC.

10Finding Purpose Through Faith: Lex the Gentleman's 'Lost and Found'

Spoken word artist and author Lex the Gentleman discusses his book 'Lost and Found: Poems to Inspire the Fire Within,' which explores his personal journey of feeling lost and rediscovering purpose through faith. He emphasizes that feeling 'lost' is often just being 'misplaced' and that intentionally placing oneself in the presence of God helps one find their voice and calling again. He frames failure as 'success turned inside out,' an opportunity for learning and growth, rather than an end.

Lex the Gentleman's book 'Lost and Found'; personal experience of feeling lost during the pandemic; analogy of a misplaced wallet; emphasis on relationship with God; reframing failure as a learning opportunity.

Bottom Line

The aggressive stance taken by Chicago's Mayor Johnson against federal ICE agents, using local law enforcement to document and potentially prosecute federal officers, sets a precedent for how cities might counter perceived federal overreach and protect their residents, even against agencies claiming federal immunity.

So What?

This could lead to increased legal battles between federal and local authorities, potentially creating a patchwork of enforcement standards across the country and challenging the traditional scope of federal power in immigration matters.

Impact

Cities could develop similar 'on notice' policies, requiring local police to monitor and report federal agent conduct, thereby establishing a local defense mechanism against federal actions deemed abusive or illegal under local statutes.

The dismissal of the Missouri AG's lawsuit against Starbucks' DEI policies, citing a lack of evidence of direct harm to individuals, suggests a high bar for legal challenges against corporate diversity initiatives based on claims of 'reverse discrimination' or economic harm to customers.

So What?

This ruling may embolden companies to continue or expand their DEI programs without fear of broad state-level legal attacks, provided they can demonstrate that their policies do not directly discriminate against specific individuals.

Impact

Advocacy groups challenging DEI policies may need to shift their legal strategies, focusing on individual discrimination claims with concrete evidence rather than broad accusations of systemic harm to customers or the general workforce.

Lessons

  • If you are a local official concerned about federal agency conduct, consider exploring executive orders or legislative actions that empower local law enforcement to document and investigate potential violations of local/state laws by federal agents.
  • For individuals facing immigration issues, especially those with long-term US residency and community ties, actively seek legal counsel and engage congressional representatives for support, as seen in Godfrey Wade's case.
  • Businesses implementing DEI initiatives should ensure their policies are robustly documented and defensible against claims of discrimination, focusing on measurable outcomes and avoiding language that could be misconstrued as quota-based.

Notable Moments

Tennessee Democratic State Representative Justin Jones delivered a public service announcement on the state floor, contrasting Super Bowl halftime performers Bad Bunny and Kid Rock. He highlighted Bad Bunny's American citizenship (from Puerto Rico) and criticized Kid Rock's lyrics about 'liking underage girls,' labeling it pedophilia and 'shameful.'

This moment uses a cultural event (Super Bowl) to make a pointed political statement, challenging conservative narratives and drawing attention to issues of citizenship, cultural acceptance, and moral conduct, particularly in contrast to figures often embraced by certain political factions.

Quotes

"

"This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the king of the jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King. She said, 'Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.'"

White House press secretary Carolina Levit
"

"Trump posting this video, especially during Black History Month, is a stark reminder of how Trump and his followers truly view people and will remember that in November."

NAACP
"

"praying it was fake because it's the most racist thing I've seen out of the White House. The president should remove it."

Senator Tim Scott
"

"I see the same aggression in ICE agents that I saw from January 6 insurrectionists. Unchecked force, American citizens murdered, and lies to cover it up. That's not safety. It's power without accountability."

Harry Dunn
"

"There are only two other forces on the planet that have a larger budget than ICE. That's the United States military and China's military. The militarization of of of ICE and the militar militarization of of of our cities right now is is of grave concern."

Mayor Brandon Johnson

Q&A

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