AI-Generated Video of Postwar Gaza Shared by Trump Sparks Controversy
President Donald Trump recently shared an AI-generated video on his Truth Social platform, stirring a wave of criticism. The video portrays a reimagined postwar Gaza as a lavish vacation resort, reminiscent of Dubai. The content has raised questions and concerns regarding the proliferation of AI-generated media and its potential impact.
The video, reported by CNET but originating from Trump’s Truth Social account, depicts a futuristic Gaza complete with golden buildings, statues of Trump, and other extravagant features. This vision sharply contrasts with the current reality of devastation and displacement in the region, following a year and a half of conflict. The response to the video has largely been negative, with many viewers labeling it as bizarre and distasteful.
The video drew ire from many in the comments section as weird, distasteful and bizarre.
The origins of the video remain unclear, but some reports suggest it may have been produced by pro-Israel accounts known for generating AI content. The video’s release coincided with Trump’s proposal to temporarily relocate Gaza’s inhabitants to create a new, upscale resort in the territory.
Experts are calling this type of content “AI slop” – low-quality, potentially misleading material produced to generate online engagement. Henry Ajder, an AI and deepfake cartographer, noted the increasing accessibility of such technology. “The political impact of deepfakes in synthetic media is less about deception and more about emboldening and kind of creating a message and a brand,” Ajder explained.
When contacted for comment, the White House deferred to a statement. “As President Trump has said, Gaza in its current state is unhabitable for any human being,” said White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly. “President Trump is a visionary, and his plan to have the United States involved in Gaza’s rebuilding will allow for Palestinians to resettle in new, beautiful communities while improving conditions in the region for generations to come.”
This is not the first time politicians have used deepfake technology to garner support. Similar tactics were employed by the Belgian Socialist Party in 2018, and by various political figures in other countries, including India. According to research, deepfake content has already deceived a significant portion of the American population.
As AI technology continues to advance and become more accessible, concerns about its potential for misuse, particularly in spreading misinformation, are growing. Finding the original source of such content is often challenging, further complicating accountability. Ajder warned about future implications, stating, “We’re seven and a half, eight years into the kind of development of deep fakes and synthetic media… That’s a drop in the ocean compared to where things might be going.”
