In an unexpected turn, former President Donald Trump issued a rare apology—not for controversy surrounding AI-generated content of the Obamas, but for his previous backing of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.

The 79-year-old Trump recently faced backlash over a Truth Social post featuring offensive AI depictions of Barack and Michelle Obama linked to unfounded claims about Dominion Voting Systems. Despite public outrage and calls for a direct apology, Trump dismissed the criticism when questioned, insisting, “No, I didn’t make a mistake. I looked at the beginning of it. It was fine.”

However, the apology that did surface was unrelated. It addressed his prior support for Stitt after the National Governors Association chose not to host its annual meeting at the White House, citing concerns about restricting the event to Republican governors.

Trump expressed his regret in a Truth Social post, writing:

“When Kevin Stitt, the very mediocre (at best!) RINO Governor of Oklahoma, was losing his Election to a Democrat, primarily because he did a bad job, he called for my help. I Endorsed him, and he won. Sorry, my cherished Oklahoma, to have done that to you!”

The apology, laced with Trump’s signature tone, highlighted his support for Stitt rather than addressing the AI controversy that initially drew public ire.