Trump Shares AI Video of ‘Trump Gaza’ Amid Ongoing Controversy
President Donald Trump shared an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video online that has immediately sparked controversy. The video depicts Gaza transformed into a resort-style complex complete with a “Trump Gaza” hotel, golden statues of the former president, and, notably, bearded belly dancers.
Why It Matters
Trump has consistently expressed a desire to end the war in Gaza and has promised to facilitate a ceasefire if re-elected in 2024. However, his vision for the region, as presented in the AI video, has drawn criticism, especially given the ongoing displacement and humanitarian crisis.
On February 4, Trump suggested the removal of Gaza’s approximately two million residents, following fifteen months of conflict that have resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths. According to Amnesty International, around 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced since the war began after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Trump has proposed the U.S. take over and redevelop Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” a proposal labelled as “ethnic cleansing” by groups like Human Rights Watch.
What to Know
The AI-generated video envisions a starkly different Gaza, depicting a beach holiday destination. The video includes tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk enjoying food and concludes with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relaxing poolside in bathing suits at a fictional “Trump Gaza.”
The video’s inclusion of bearded belly dancers has spurred significant online reaction. One user on X (formerly Twitter) asked, “Why are there scantily clad bearded men belly dancing on the beach in the Trump Gaza promo?” The dancers’ appearance has been interpreted as both masculine and feminine, and their inclusion in the video caused immediate discussion concerning Trump’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
Since retaking office, Trump has introduced several policies targeting transgender individuals, including barring transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
Another user wrote on X, “You have to wonder what is going on in @realDonaldTrump’s mind, when he posts videos like this. Giant golden statues of himself in Gaza, a gift shop with little Trumps sitting on a throne, and what look like bearded trans belly dancers.”
What People Are Saying
Reactions to Trump’s post have been swift and critical.
Collin Rugg, co-owner of conservative news site Trending Politics, shared his surprise on X: “President Trump shares a video of an AI vision for the Gaza Strip, ends with Trump having drinks at a pool with Benjamin Netanyahu. The video also features bearded men in bikini tops. Nothing could have prepared me for this.”
Ben Meiselas, co-founder of MeidasTouch, wrote on X: “Trump just posted that this is what happens in “Trump Gaza.” This is really his post.”
Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, a lawyer and activist, stated on X: “President of the United States posts video of him taking over Gaza with his statue for worship, dollars raining, Trump Gaza as centrepiece as he & Netanyahu chill at the beach. Ethnic cleansing rebranded as a real estate deal. Colonialist White Supremacist Zionism. Pure Evil.”
Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer, confirmed on X: “Yes, President @realDonaldTrump did just post this Gaza AI video on his social media platforms. And yes, it does include this image of him and PM Netanyahu.”
What’s Next
Egypt is set to host an emergency summit of Arab nations on March 4 to address plans to rebuild the Gaza Strip without displacing its Palestinian residents. International efforts continue to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region amidst a fragile ceasefire.
