Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Donald Trump is encountering significant criticism on his Truth Social platform after releasing a controversial AI-generated video depicting a futuristic scenario in Gaza, featuring him sharing cocktails with a topless Benjamin Netanyahu amidst the devastation caused by ongoing conflict.
This video showcases a vision of Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza, which he refers to as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He insinuates that this proposal entails a drastic reduction of the area’s population, which currently stands at approximately 2 million, leading to accusations that it amounts to a form of ethnic cleansing.
In this imagined reconstruction, Gaza is portrayed as a lavish resort, reminiscent of Dubai, complete with skyscrapers and luxury yachts. Scenes unfold showing children at the beach, dollar bills raining down, and belly dancers performing on the sand, presenting a stark contrast to the real suffering experienced in the region.
In this portrayal, Trump is depicted as an exalted leader, with symbolic imagery such as a boy holding a golden balloon shaped like Trump’s head and a massive statue of him towering above a bustling street.
Also featured prominently is Elon Musk, a known supporter of Trump, enjoying local cuisine and dancing amidst the cascading money. The video emphasizes a sense of opulence with Musk’s Tesla vehicles gliding through this glossy, idealized vision of Gaza.
Upon sharing the video—accompanied by the caption “Gaza 2025 … what’s next?”—Trump faced backlash from users on Truth Social. One commenter expressed disapproval: “I support President Trump but this particular video is in very poor taste.” Another added, “I don’t like this. I admire our president, but this is terrible.”
The reaction was particularly strong among Trump’s Christian supporters, with several expressing discomfort over the imagery of idolization, particularly the golden statue, and the depiction of Trump in a nightclub setting with a belly dancer while an audience watches.
One user remarked, “Only one deserves the glory and the honor, Mr. President,” warning against the symbolism of the statue as reminiscent of antichrist figures. Comments labeling the video as “sick” and “filth” were not uncommon.
Another user, Kainoa P, wrote, “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.”
It remains unclear who created the video, though it had circulated online prior to Trump’s post, which he shared without additional commentary.
The video is set against a backdrop of AI-generated lyrics that emphasize liberation and a bright future for Gaza under Trump’s vision: “Donald’s coming to set you free, bringing the light for all to see, no more tunnels, no more fear: Trump Gaza’s finally here.”
The war in Gaza has resulted in extensive casualties, with near 50,000 reported deaths, primarily among civilians, following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for key figures, including Netanyahu and Hamas’s military leader, Mohammed Deif, on accusations of war crimes, though both deny these allegations.
Previous attempts to improve Gaza’s economy have faltered, hampered by Israeli blockades and accusations of corruption among Hamas leaders. Trump’s latest proposal has not included Palestinian leaders in its development, and key Middle Eastern nations such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia have outright rejected the plan.
Source
www.theguardian.com