Trump Responds to “No Kings” Protests with Controversial AI-Generated Video
Trump’s AI-Generated Retort to ‘No Kings’ Protests Sparks Controversy
In a striking response to the nationwide “No Kings” protests held on Saturday, former President Donald Trump reposted an AI-generated video depicting himself as a regal figure flying a fighter jet labeled “King Trump.” The video, shared late Saturday night, features Trump, adorned with a gold crown, unleashing torrents of brown sludge onto protestors below, a clear jab at the demonstrations that spanned all 50 states.
The 19-second clip showcases a vividly animated Trump piloting the aircraft over an AI-rendered cityscape, culminating in a dramatic scene where protestors in Times Square are doused in the brown liquid. The video has since ignited a firestorm of debate over the use of AI in political discourse, particularly as Trump gears up for a potential second presidential run.
This isn’t the first time Trump has utilized AI-generated content to bolster his narrative. Earlier this month, he shared a deepfake video featuring Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, which included derogatory remarks about fellow Democrats, alongside a racially charged portrayal of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
When asked about the latest video, Ohio Senator JD Vance defended it, calling it “funny” and suggesting that humor can coexist with serious political negotiations. “You can negotiate in good faith while also poking a little bit of fun at some of the absurdities of the Democrats’ positions,” Vance stated.
The Republican Party appears increasingly comfortable with AI-generated media. Just days before Trump’s video, Senate Republicans released a deepfake attack ad against Schumer, clearly labeling it as AI-generated, reflecting a growing trend in political campaigning.
The “No Kings” protests, which drew millions of participants nationwide, featured signs with slogans like “Sorry for being weird, this is my first dictatorship” and “No Kings Since 1776,” emphasizing a collective rejection of authoritarianism. In a pre-protest interview, Trump dismissed the “king” label, asserting, “I’m not a king. I work my ass off to make our country great.”
Following the protests, Trump took a more combative stance, labeling the demonstrations as “a joke” and claiming they were not representative of the American populace. “The demonstrations were very small, very ineffective, and the people were whacked out,” he remarked, further polarizing an already divided political landscape.
As the 2024 presidential campaign heats up, the intersection of AI technology and political messaging is set to become a focal point, raising questions about authenticity, ethics, and the future of political discourse in America.