Global News Podcast (BBC World Service) — February 7, 2026

Episode Title: Video with racist clip pulled from Trump social media

Episode Overview

This episode delivers comprehensive coverage of critical global news stories, including the uproar over a racist video shared from President Trump’s Truth Social account, fresh revelations from the Epstein files implicating international figures, the growing awards buzz around the film "Sinners," Cuba’s escalating fuel crisis, Japan’s snap election, and the European Union’s regulatory crackdown on TikTok’s app design. The program features insightful analysis, direct quotes from key voices, and perspectives from expert correspondents around the world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Racist Video Shared on Trump’s Social Media (01:05–07:10)

What Happened

• President Trump’s official Truth Social account shared a video that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes in a jungle, appended to conspiracy content about election fraud.
• The clip stayed online for about 12 hours before being deleted after widespread backlash.

Immediate Reactions

• Trump initially attributed the post to a staffer, acknowledged it was racist, but stopped short of apologizing.
• He 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, it was fine. ... Nobody knew that that was in. And if they would have looked, they would have seen it and probably they would have had the sense to take it down." (02:39)

Political & Public Response

• Condemnation was swift and bipartisan, though the White House initially dismissed criticism as "fake outrage" before shifting blame to an unnamed staffer.
• Democratic Congressman Al Green: “This is raw, rank racism.” (03:34)
• Tim Scott (only Black Republican Senator): Called it "the most racist thing he'd seen out of this White House." (03:58)
• Hakeem Jeffries (Democratic House Leader): Described Trump’s behavior as “vile and racist” and pointed to a pattern, including earlier incidents involving AI-generated images. (04:53)

Current and Potential Impact

• Simi Jola, Washington correspondent, noted no comment from the Obamas.
• She emphasized: "Given historically low support levels from black voters and that strong sense of loyalty a lot of black voters have to figures like Barack Obama, this episode is more likely to sort of deepen opposition and have a negative effect on sort of turnout for President Trump, especially with the midterm elections coming up." (06:21)

2. Global Repercussions from Epstein Files Leak (07:10–11:26)

Scope of the Files

• Millions of emails, photos, and files released by the US Justice Department have implicated high-profile figures worldwide.
• Affected countries include at least eight beyond the US: UK, Turkey, Latvia, Lithuania, France, Norway, Ukraine, Poland, and frequent mentions of Russia and Israel.

Notable International Fallout

• Norway: Crown Princess and former PM Thorbjorn Juglund (head of Nobel Committee) caught up, the latter under corruption investigation.
• Israel: Former PM Ehud Barak caught on a recording discussing demographics with Epstein. He claims regret over the association.
• The UK: Ongoing pressure over Prime Minister’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador, given his links to Epstein.

Disinformation Campaigns

• France accuses Russian groups (Copicom; Storm 15,16) of spreading fake news about President Macron’s alleged ties to Epstein via falsified online news outlets. (10:09)
• Joe Inwood (World Affairs Correspondent): “There is a vast, vast number of documents … I expect there are powerful people around the world about whom more embarrassing revelations will come out in the near future.” (11:12)

3. Film World Buzz: Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ (12:06–15:45)

Awards Build-up

• "Sinners," a supernatural thriller by Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed), is making waves ahead of the Directors Guild Awards and BAFTAs.
• The film reunites Coogler with Michael B. Jordan and draws on themes of ancestry, purpose, and music.

Personal Roots

• Coogler: “The story started with my love of my uncle who is from Mississippi and loved blues music. … I found myself listening to the blues records that I would listen to with him as a way of processing.” (12:54–13:18)

Diversity Impact

• The film, led by a diverse cast and creative team, has over 13 BAFTA nominations and a record 20 Academy Award nominations.
• Despite its success, only 24% of international box office takings came from outside the US – a notable gap compared to other hits.

Perspectives on Hollywood

• Actress Wunmi Mosaku: “It was the original story, it wasn’t white led. I think you can learn that people show up. I think Hollywood needs to maybe catch up with the audience members.” (15:16)

Memorable Context

• If Coogler wins Best Director at the Oscars, he will be the first Black filmmaker to do so.

4. Cuba’s Critical Fuel Shortage & Political Standoff (18:57–23:19)

Crisis in Havana

• Cuban citizens face extreme fuel shortages after Venezuelan shipments halted due to US intervention and new tariffs.
• Residents describe desperate waits:
  • Emilio Hernandez: “Two hours. I've spent two hours waiting for the fuel tanker to arrive and no sign of it.” (19:19)
  • Francisco Perez: “I've been here for five hours. No tanker yet and no idea if it's coming.” (19:26)

International Dynamics

• Washington has blocked Venezuela, Cuba’s main supplier, from sending oil.
• Mexico is unable to fill the gap due to its own trade negotiations with the US.
• Will Grant (Correspondent): “The picture for the island is quite honestly the bleakest it has been this century... one genuinely wonders what those solutions will be and exactly what they can offer to Washington beyond wholesale root and branch reform.” (21:09–22:40)
• US approach appears to focus on increasing pressure for political change.

5. Japan’s Snap Election: Historic Stakes & Societal Change (23:19–28:57)

Election Atmosphere

• Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, is seeking a clear mandate after calling a snap election just three months into her tenure.
• The ruling Liberal Democratic Party grapples with corruption scandals and an unpopular image, yet Takaichi’s personal popularity and aura of relentlessness give her momentum.

Key Voter Concerns

• Cost of living, stagnant wages, inflation, and high property prices.
• One resident: “Prices are rising, but wages aren’t. I really don’t know how this might change.” (25:42)
• Another: “When I think about my grandchildren, national defense is what matters, and she's thinking seriously about it.” (27:58)

Diplomatic Tensions

• Takaichi has strengthened US-Japan ties (e.g., hosting Trump), but angered China with comments about defending Taiwan militarily.

6. EU’s Crackdown on TikTok’s 'Addictive Design' (28:57–32:23)

New Regulations

• The European Union has ordered TikTok to change features deemed addictive, specifically those targeting young users (e.g., autoplay, push notifications, poor screen-time controls).
• Henna Verkonen (EU Tech Chief): “TikTok is designed in the way that it's very addictive. ... We know that especially when it comes to young users, this kind of addictive design is very harmful for their well being.” (29:35)

TikTok’s Response

• The platform disputes the EU’s findings and is planning to challenge them.
• The EU is investigating similar features on other platforms, with an ongoing focus on protection of minors.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump on video oversight: “If they would have looked, they would have seen it and probably they would have had the sense to take it down.” (02:55)
• Congressman Al Green: “This is raw, rank racism.” (03:34)
• Simi Jola (Washington correspondent): “It has attracted widespread condemnation, not only amongst politicians, but also from supporters, civil rights groups, and Republicans as well.” (06:21)
• Joe Inwood (World Affairs): “…I expect there are still powerful people around the world about whom more embarrassing revelations will come out in the near future.” (11:20)
• Ryan Coogler: “I found myself listening to the blues records that I would listen to with [my uncle] as a way of processing and that transformative power of that music…was what gave me the idea for this movie.” (12:59–13:18)
• Wunmi Mosaku on diversity: “Hollywood needs to maybe catch up with the audience members... a lot of people of color come out and show up for films like Sinners.” (15:16)
• Will Grant (Cuba): “It is a very tough picture for people right now.” (20:24)
• Henna Verkonen (EU): “When it comes to young users, this kind of addictive design is very harmful for their well being.” (29:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump Racist Video Incident: 01:05–07:10
• Epstein Files Fallout: 07:10–11:26
• BAFTA/Oscar Film Buzz (‘Sinners’): 12:06–15:45
• Cuba Fuel Crisis: 18:57–23:19
• Japan’s Snap Election: 23:19–28:57
• EU v. TikTok (Addictive Design): 28:57–32:23

This episode weaves together hard-hitting news, political analysis, and cultural insight, offering listeners a sweeping view of urgent global stories and how they intersect across politics, society, and technology.