A Vision of a Futuristic Gaza: Trump’s AI-Generated Video Sparks Controversy

Introduction: A Futuristic Vision of Gaza

On February 7, 2023, former President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video on his social media platform, Truth Social, depicting a futuristic and fantastical vision of postwar Gaza. The video, which has been widely criticized as tone-deaf and bizarre, imagines Gaza as a luxury vacation resort reminiscent of Dubai. In the animated clip, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are shown lounging on a beach, surrounded by gleaming golden buildings, statues of Trump, and even Elon Musk enjoying a bread bowl. The video’s glamorous and extravagant tone starkly contrasts with the harsh reality of Gaza today, which has been devastated by over a year and a half of conflict, leaving behind scenes of destruction and displacement.

The Origins and Purpose of the Video

The origins of the video remain unclear, but according to NBC News, it may have been created by pro-Israel accounts that produce AI-generated content. The video surfaced shortly after Trump announced his controversial idea to temporarily evacuate Gaza and transform it into a "new Riviera." While the White House declined to confirm or deny its involvement in the video’s creation, they released a statement defending Trump’s vision. Anna Kelly, White House deputy press secretary, wrote, "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."

The Rise of AI-Generated Political Content

The video is part of a growing trend of AI-generated political content, often referred to as "AI slop" due to its low quality and misleading nature. Henry Ajder, an expert on AI and synthetic media, explains that such content is not primarily used to deceive but to reinforce a political brand or message. "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 said. The technology is becoming increasingly accessible, making it easier for political figures and organizations to create and disseminate such content.

Historical Precedents: Deepfakes in Politics

Trump’s use of AI-generated content is not unprecedented. In 2018, the Belgian Socialist Party released a deepfake video of Trump encouraging Belgians to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. That same year, a deepfake video of Gabon’s President Ali Bongo, who had been absent from public view due to a stroke, sparked a political crisis and an unsuccessful military coup. In India, ahead of the 2024 elections, deepfake videos have been used to mock political rivals, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Alexandru Voica, a policy expert at Synthesia, notes that such practices are especially common in Southeast Asia and are now beginning to appear in the United States.

Trump’s History of Provocative Online Content

This is not the first time Trump has used provocative online content to rally support. During his first term, he famously shared an edited video of himself as a professional wrestler beating up a CNN logo. Trump’s use of such content reflects his unconventional communication style, which often blends entertainment with politics. While the Gaza video is clearly fake, the improving quality of deepfake technology raises concerns about its potential misuse in the future. Researchers at the University of Chicago and Pennsylvania State University have found that deepfake content has successfully deceived 42% of Americans, a worrying statistic even as other forms of disinformation remain equally problematic.

The Future of Deepfakes and Synthetic Media

As deepfake technology continues to evolve, the challenges of identifying and regulating such content grow. Henry Ajder, who has been studying synthetic media for over eight years, warns that the technology is still in its early stages, and its impact on politics and society could become even more significant. "We’re seven and a half, eight years into the kind of development of deepfakes and synthetic media," he said. "That’s a drop in the ocean compared to where things might be going." With the increasing ease of access to these tools, the line between reality and illusion is becoming increasingly blurred, raising important questions about accountability and the future of political communication.