An AI-generated video shared by former U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform has ignited a firestorm of criticism. The video portrays a drastically transformed Gaza, reimagined as a luxurious resort, sparking concerns about the project’s feasibility and ethical considerations.
Trump’s video, which presents an idyllic vision of Gaza, stands in stark contrast to the reality of the war-torn territory. The vision of a Rivera-style resort has been widely condemned, particularly in light of Trump’s earlier proposals, which included the relocation of current Palestinian residents to other countries like Egypt and Jordan. Both nations have rejected the plan as unrealistic and unacceptable.
Palestinian officials have voiced strong disapproval. Ismail Al-Thawabtah, director-general of Gaza’s Hamas-run Government Media Office, told CNN, “This video and its degrading content reflect the deeply rooted racist colonial mindset that seeks to distort reality and justify the occupation’s crimes.” He added that the video’s presentation of Gaza as empty sought to legitimize ongoing actions.
The AI-generated video raises critical questions about the feasibility of transforming Gaza. It contrasts starkly with the current condition of Gaza, which has experienced extensive war damage. The video includes images of Dubai-style skyscrapers, a beach resort, and luxury yachts.
While Trump shared the video but reportedly did not create it, he expressed his belief that rebuilding Gaza as a resort was a viable plan when speaking to Fox News last Friday. “The way to do it is my plan. I think that’s the plan that really works. But I’m not forcing it. I’m just going to sit back and recommend it,” he said.
Despite the criticism, there is some backing for rebuilding Gaza within the Middle East. As reported by CNN, Egypt has proposed a reconstruction plan that would cost upwards of $20 billion and take about three years. However, according to the UN, the proposed reconstruction work, not including clearing rubble could take several years and cost at least $80 billion. None of the proposed efforts include Trump’s vision of luxury hotels and a beachfront resort.
The AI-generated video simplifies a complex undertaking, presenting a potential outcome that could be completed quickly. As technology industry analyst Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group noted, AI accelerates the creation of compelling images and videos.
When your goal is to manipulate, Enderle cautions that “AI can be a compelling tool to help you get what you want.” He warns that in a political context, “a focus on accuracy is likely subordinate to the need to manipulate a favorable decision so I wouldn’t trust its accuracy in this instance.”
The fact that Trump shared this video suggests he believes such an outcome is possible for Gaza. Scott Talan, senior professorial lecturer of public communication at American University, compared the situation to Trump’s first term with North Korea.
While AI can be useful, there are clear ethical issues that need to be addressed. “It’s almost funny and comical with the imagery, but we’re still talking about a very serious place where people are dying, prisoners are being held and people can’t return to their homes,” warned Talan.
AI could be a tool to help rebuild parts of Gaza, but these technologies must be used responsibly. “AI can run estimates of the time it will take vs. the cost of the endeavor until you reach what you think are optimal. And then AI, if properly trained, can further optimize the results based on a variety of factors including traffic, cost, social interaction, mix of housing and industry, and proximity to resources like water, power, sewer, etc.,” said Enderle. “However, it can also be manipulated and the estimates, costs, and impacts may turn out to be totally false even though the images are extremely compelling.”
