A controversial AI-generated video showcasing former President Donald Trump's ambitious property development plan for Gaza has ignited a backlash on social media. The video, shared on Trump's Truth Social platform without commentary, depicts a futuristic vision of Gaza transformed into a luxurious resort, dubbed the "Riviera of the Middle East." This development plan proposes to reshape Gaza into a Dubai-style metropolis, complete with skyscrapers and luxury yachts.
The video portrays Trump as an iconic figure in Gaza, featuring a golden statue of him prominently displayed on a city street. However, this vision has been met with significant criticism, as many view it as a blueprint for ethnic cleansing. The plan involves "cleaning out" the current population of about 2 million people, drawing sharp rebuke from various quarters.
In the video, Trump's billionaire supporter Elon Musk makes several appearances, whimsically eating flatbread and dancing as dollar bills fall from the sky. Additionally, the video includes a scene of a boy walking along with a golden balloon resembling Trump's head. AI-generated lyrics accompany the visuals, presenting Trump as a savior figure for Gaza.
Despite the grandiose depiction, the plan has faced rejection from influential Middle Eastern nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Palestinian leaders were notably absent from any consultations regarding Trump's latest proposal. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in Gaza adds another layer of complexity. Israel is currently under scrutiny for alleged genocide in the region, following a war that began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in nearly 50,000 civilian deaths.
The international criminal court (ICC) has responded by issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas's military leader, Mohammed Deif, on allegations of war crimes. Netanyahu denies these charges, while Deif's current status remains uncertain.
The AI-generated video also sparked varied reactions on Truth Social. Some users expressed support for Trump but criticized the video's taste and message.
“You’re doing great Mr President. But don’t let it get to your head. God put you in that position for His glory, not yours.” – Kainoa P
“I could not be a bigger supporter of President Trump but this particular video is in very poor taste. Very poor taste, indeed!” – Truth Social user
“I hate this. I love our president, but this is horrible.” – Truth Social user
“Only one deserves the glory and the honor, Mr President. The statue is a symbol of the antichrist, please humble yourself to God. Jesus is king and only Him.” – Truth Social user
The origins of the AI-generated video remain unclear as it had been circulated online by other accounts unconnected to the White House prior to Trump's sharing.