Donald Trump’s use of AI-generated social media videos featuring deepfaked celebrities like Robert De Niro and Rosie O’Donnell signals an increasing integration of synthetic media into political messaging. These videos use hyper-realistic, fabricated footage to portray critics as being cured of “Trump derangement syndrome,” a term used by the president to describe his opponents.
What is the “Dr. Trump” AI video?
The video, shared by the @realDonaldTrump account on social media, features an AI-generated version of the president dressed in a white coat and wearing a stethoscope. In the footage, “Dr. Trump” claims to have successfully treated several prominent celebrity critics for “Trump derangement syndrome” (TDS).
The testimonial-style video utilizes hyper-realistic, fabricated footage to depict celebrities expressing regret for their opposition to the president. The video includes AI-generated versions of Whoopi Goldberg, Edward Norton, and Julia Roberts. A deepfake version of Robert De Niro is heard saying, “I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, constantly angry. I made everyone miserable around me.”
As “Dr. Trump,” the president promotes a specific “treatment plan” for those afflicted with TDS. According to the video, patients should “turn off fake news, say your prayers, and if you ever feel anxious, just have a Diet Coke like me.”
“Trump Derangement Syndrome” is a term used by Donald Trump and his allies to characterize those who are irrationally opposed to his political agenda.
How are celebrities reacting to these deepfakes?
While the video presents celebrities as being cured of their antipathy toward the president, real-world reactions have been sharply different. Rosie O’Donnell, one of the figures depicted in the video, issued a statement asserting that her assessment of the president remains unchanged.
O’Donnell offered her own diagnosis of the president’s condition, stating, “He’s quite ill—and getting worse daily.” She further suggested constitutional action, saying, “The 25th amendment exists for exactly this reason. Remove. Impeach. Convict.”
A significant question remains regarding the use of these likenesses. Officials have not confirmed whether the White House contacted any of the actors depicted in the video to obtain permission to use their digital images.
What prior AI content has Trump shared?
The “Dr. Trump” video is part of a broader pattern of Donald Trump using AI-generated content to idealize his presidency or target political opponents. Previous instances include:
- Religious Imagery: Trump shared an AI image depicting himself as Jesus healing the sick. He deleted the post following backlash from Christian commentators who labeled the image blasphemous.
- Papal Imagery: He portrayed himself as the Pope during a period of conflict with Leo XIV.
- Royal Imagery: Trump posted a fake Time magazine cover that depicted him wearing a crown. He accompanied the post with the caption, “Long live the king!”
- Controversial Video: In February, Trump shared a video portraying Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes. While he deleted the post, he did not issue an apology following the backlash.
What is the official response from the White House?
The White House has generally characterized these AI-generated posts as humorous and a component of the president’s political messaging style. In response to the recent “Dr. Trump” video, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that posting the content was Trump’s “right.”
Ingle also echoed the president’s rhetoric regarding his critics, adding, “Trump Derangement Syndrome is a crippling disease that has unfortunately rotted the brains of many people.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Trump Derangement Syndrome”?
It is a term used by Donald Trump and his supporters to claim that his critics are irrationally or mentally unstable in their opposition to him.
Did the celebrities in the video consent to being deepfaked?
There is currently no confirmation from officials that the White House contacted the actors, such as Robert De Niro or Julia Roberts, to use their likenesses.
Has Trump used AI for other political purposes?
Yes. He has previously used AI to create images of himself as Jesus, the Pope, and a king on a Time magazine cover.
What do you think about the use of AI in political campaigning?
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