On Saturday, President Donald Trump sparked significant online conversation with the release of a controversial AI-generated video through his Truth Social account. The 19-second clip features President Trump as a fighter pilot, clad in a golden crown, maneuvering a jet labeled "King Trump" over what resembles New York City. As Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone" plays, the video shows the jet expelling a brown substance onto protesters below, who are labeled as "No Kings" demonstrators.
The satirical post, which quickly became the top-trending video on Truth Social, was viewed millions of times within hours of its release. It arrived amid nationwide protests criticizing the Trump administration, with organizers reporting approximately 2,600 demonstrations across the U.S., according to the New York Post. These rallies, which brand President Trump as "authoritarian" and "dangerous," seem to be the target of the AI video's mockery.
Among those depicted in the virtual deluge was Harry Sisson, a left-wing influencer, who responded with a biting retort on platform X, challenging the physical feasibility of President Trump piloting such an aircraft and urging reporters to confront the President regarding the video's content and intent.
The AI video's release coincided with a series of "No Kings" protests directly opposing the current administration. These demonstrations echoed similar rallies from June, aligning with the U.S. Army's 250th-anniversary parade, which notably took place on the President's birthday. The protests have been vocal in their condemnation of President Trump's leadership style, with the phrase "No Kings" encapsulating their stance against perceived authoritarian tendencies.
Supporters of President Trump found humor in the post, with one user commenting, "Only Trump would post himself bombing libs with sewage," highlighting the divisive nature of the video's reception. Vice President JD Vance also participated in the online engagement, sharing a complementary AI video on BlueSky, which depicted Trump donning a crown and robe while Democratic figures, including Nancy Pelosi, appeared in a submissive posture.
The satirical nature of the video extended to other political figures, with the White House's BlueSky debut showcasing a montage of President Trump's most prominent online trolling moments. This included a contentious deepfake of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a sombrero, following a meeting regarding the government shutdown dispute, which Jeffries later labeled as "racist."
Trump's propensity for AI satire as a means to provoke his opponents is not new. Earlier this year, he shared a fictitious "Trump Gaza Resort" video, followed by a clip of OMB Director Russ Vought portrayed as the Grim Reaper, targeting Democrats over a spending bill blockade. The latest video, however, stands out for its virality and the directness of its mockery.