President Trump shared an AI-generated video on social media that depicts a devastated Gaza Strip transformed into an opulent resort bearing his name. This post comes shortly after Trump appeared to retract a previous proposal to displace Palestinians from the territory and establish U.S. control.
The origins of the video remain unclear, and Trump did not provide any commentary alongside the post. Similar versions of the video have circulated on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. The version on Trump's account seems to have been sourced from Rumble, a video platform popular among right-leaning audiences.
The video has faced significant criticism from many Palestinians, echoing the rejection of Trump's earlier plan by various Arab nations. Ahmed al-Soufi, the mayor of Rafah in southern Gaza, called the portrayal a "fantasy," emphasizing the need for a dignified state for Palestinians alongside Israel.
The video opens with scenes showing individuals, including armed men, navigating through the ruins of the Gaza Strip before transitioning to images of luxury developments and beachside resorts. Notable visuals include a child holding a balloon shaped like Trump's head, a golden statue of the president, and scenes of flamboyant beach parties.
Some elements of the AI-generated imagery are particularly striking, such as a figure resembling billionaire Elon Musk with six fingers on one hand and depictions of belly dancers with beards. The video also features Trump socializing in various settings with other figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Earlier in February, Trump proposed a plan for the U.S. to assume control over Gaza, which involved the forced removal of the Palestinian population—estimated at two million—into neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. This proposal was quickly rebuffed by leaders of those nations, with experts highlighting that such actions would contravene international humanitarian law.
Last week, Trump acknowledged the negative response from Egypt and Jordan, expressing surprise during an interview. He mentioned, "I’m not forcing it. I’m just going to sit back and recommend it," while referring to his plan in the past tense as one he still believed had merit.
In reaction to the video, the militant group Hamas condemned it, stating that it contained "unethical scenes" that violate the customs and traditions of the Palestinian people.
During his previous term, Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan favoring Israel while offering Palestinians a limited form of statehood. This month, he remained ambiguous on the issue of a two-state solution, indicating that his position did not hinge on state designation.