Trump Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Gaza Video
WASHINGTON: Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s official social media accounts sparked controversy after posting what appeared to be an AI-generated video depicting a war-torn Gaza transformed into a lavish seaside resort—complete with a towering golden statue of Trump himself. The video quickly drew criticism across various platforms, including his Truth Social network.
The clip, which amassed over 10.5 million views on Instagram and was shared 2,400 times on Truth Social by Wednesday morning, left some users questioning whether Trump’s accounts had been compromised. However, the 33-second video remained online for hours without any clarification or retraction.
Titled “Gaza 2025: What’s Next?”, the footage begins with people walking through a debris-covered street before emerging onto a beachfront lined with palm trees and luxury yachts.
Trump has previously suggested that the United States could take control of Gaza and relocate its Palestinian population—an idea met with significant international criticism. He later downplayed the proposal, calling it a mere suggestion, while acknowledging that Jordan and Egypt had rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Set to a soundtrack with lyrics such as “Donald’s coming to set you free, bringing the light for all to see” and “Feast and dance, the deal is done, Trump Gaza number one,” the video includes AI-generated visuals of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lounging by a pool in swimsuits, sipping cocktails. Another segment features a figure resembling Elon Musk dancing under a shower of cash, while the golden Trump statue looms over the landscape.
Public reaction on social media was divided, with some expressing support while others questioned whether Trump had personally approved the video.
Criticism also came from international human rights experts. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian human rights, condemned the video as “absurd” in a post on X. She argued that such tactics serve as a form of psychological manipulation, stating:
“The new U.S. administration is engaging in a strategic effort to overwhelm public perception. By bombarding us daily with exaggerated rhetoric and erratic policies, they aim to control the narrative, normalize the absurd, and disrupt global stability—all while strengthening U.S. dominance.”
The video has further fueled debate over the use of AI-generated content in political messaging and its impact on public discourse.
