News
Americans React Negatively to Trump's AI-Generated Videos on Truth Social
Source: today.yougov.com
Published on October 25, 2025
Keywords: truth social, donald trump, ai videos, political propaganda, public opinion
What Happened
President Trump's recent foray into AI-generated videos on Truth Social isn't playing well with most Americans. A new YouGov poll reveals that when shown these videos, a significant majority react negatively, finding them unpresidential, disturbing, and offensive. This raises questions about the effectiveness and potential backfire of using AI in political messaging.
The Videos in Question
The poll focused on three specific AI-generated videos posted by Trump. One depicted himself flying a fighter jet and dropping sewage on protesters. Another showed Barack Obama being arrested in the Oval Office. The third presented an imagined version of Gaza featuring a golden statue of Trump and a Trump Gaza hotel. It's worth noting that familiarity with these videos varied, with the fighter jet video being the most widely seen (36%) prior to the poll.
Why It Matters
The negative reactions to these videos highlight a growing unease about the use of AI in political discourse. While some might dismiss them as harmless jokes, the poll suggests many Americans find them inappropriate and potentially harmful. This could stem from concerns about the spread of misinformation, the manipulation of public opinion, or simply a distaste for the tone and content of the videos themselves.
Divisions and Demographics
Interestingly, there were notable differences in awareness and perception along party lines. Democrats were more likely than Republicans to have seen each of the videos before the poll. When shown the fighter jet video, an overwhelming 96% of Democrats disapproved, compared to a divided Republican response (43% disapproval, 42% approval). This partisan split underscores how even AI-generated content can become another battleground in the ongoing culture war.
The Broader AI Picture
Beyond these specific videos, the YouGov poll reveals a broader skepticism about AI's impact on society. A larger percentage of Americans expect AI to have a negative rather than a positive effect (48% vs. 29%). A significant 74% believe AI should be more heavily regulated. This widespread concern, fueled by fears of deepfakes and political propaganda, likely contributes to the negative reactions towards Trump's AI-generated content.
Our Take
The poll data suggests that shock value doesn't always translate to political gain. While Trump may be aiming to energize his base with these videos, he risks alienating a broader audience already wary of AI's potential pitfalls. The key takeaway is that using machine learning tools to create inflammatory content can backfire, especially when it reinforces existing concerns about misinformation and political manipulation.
Implications and Opportunities
As generative models become more sophisticated, the line between reality and fiction will become increasingly blurred. This poll serves as a warning sign for politicians considering AI as a messaging tool. Authenticity and transparency will be crucial in navigating this new landscape. The opportunity lies in using AI responsibly, for example to improve communication with constituents or enhance civic engagement, rather than to spread divisive or misleading content. The future of political discourse may depend on it.