Recent surveys have revealed that most Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s use of AI-generated videos to mock political opponents. The poll found that 61% of respondents strongly disapprove and another 9% somewhat disapprove of a video in which Trump appeared piloting a fighter jet and dropping feces on a portrayal of the ‘No Kings’ anti-government protest in New York City. Sixty percent of poll respondents called the video ‘unpresidential,’ while more than half described it as ‘disturbing’ or ‘offensive.’ Only a small share viewed it positively, with 15% finding it ‘entertaining’ and just 9% saying it was ‘clever.’ Not all reactions were critical, however. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the video, stating that Trump was likely the most effective political figure ever to use social media and that his posts were meant as satire, not calls for violence.
The ‘No Kings’ protest was part of a broader wave of demonstrations earlier this month. Organizers claimed more than 2,700 events took place across all 50 states. Protesters accused Trump of abusing his power and undermining democracy, while his supporters dismissed the events as partisan efforts to discredit his administration. Respondents also expressed strong disapproval of two other AI-generated videos shared by Trump, one showing former President Barack Obama being arrested in the Oval Office, and another reimagining the Gaza Strip with a golden statue of Trump and a ‘Trump Gaza’ hotel.
According to Time magazine, Trump has turned artificial intelligence into a political tool, using it to amplify his message and refine his online image in ways that have proven strikingly effective. YouGov surveyed 1,091 citizens aged 18 and over between October 20 and 22. The survey results highlight a growing divide among Democrats and Republicans regarding the ethical implications of using AI in political campaigns. While many Americans were disturbed by the content of the videos, some critics argued that the use of AI as a tool for satire and political commentary is a legitimate form of expression. The survey has sparked discussions about the potential role of AI in shaping public opinion and the responsibility of political figures to ensure their messages are respectful and constructive.