The former president shares an AI-generated vision of his Gaza development plan on Truth Social, sparking criticism among supporters.
Donald Trump is encountering significant backlash after posting an AI-generated video on his Truth Social platform that depicts a future vision of Gaza, featuring him in a controversial scenario with Benjamin Netanyahu and various stylized elements.
The video showcases Trump appearing to sip cocktails with a topless Netanyahu amidst a grand vision of Gaza reconstructed into a luxury resort, dubbed the 'Riviera of the Middle East.' The backdrop includes skyscrapers, yachts, and playful children, with apparent wealth symbolized by money raining down and belly dancers on display, prompting concerns over the portrayal of the territory devastated by ongoing conflict.
In the video, Trump states he desires the U.S. to 'own' Gaza, outlining an ambitious property development plan intended for the area, housing approximately 2 million people.
Critics have labeled his proposal as reminiscent of ethnic cleansing due to its undertones and implications.
The depicted transformation imagines a futuristic landscape where products of capitalism mesh with stark realities of war.
The video includes imagery of a golden statue of Trump, alongside a boy carrying a balloon shaped like the former president’s head, which some viewers found troubling, particularly among Trump’s Christian supporters, who saw parallels with idolatry.
The video attracted criticism from within his supporter base, with comments highlighting the inappropriate nature of the content.
Trump shared the video with the caption 'Gaza 2025 ...
what's next?' but did not provide further commentary.
Elon Musk, a notable figure in Trump’s circle, features prominently in the video, partaking in various activities, including dining and dancing, as wealth is visually celebrated.
The accompanying lyrics suggest a narrative of liberation and idealistic transformation that seemed to float above the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict in the region.
The backdrop of this video is the current war in Gaza, which has seen approximately 50,000 fatalities predominantly among civilians since the outbreak of conflict triggered on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas.
Allegations of genocide have been levied against Israel in this context, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for both Netanyahu and a Hamas leader over purported war crimes, claims both officials refute.
Past economic initiatives aimed at Gaza have been thwarted by a prolonged Israeli blockade and accusations of corruption among Hamas officials.
Trump's latest development plan has not involved discussions with Palestinian leaders and has been outright rejected by key Middle Eastern nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.