Washington: US President Donald Trump has sparked widespread controversy with an AI-generated video posted on his official Instagram account, showcasing a fictional vision of the war-ravaged Gaza Strip transformed into a luxury metropolis called "Trump Gaza." The video, laden with opulence, bizarre imagery, and self-aggrandizing symbolism, has been widely criticized as insensitive, offensive, and tone-deaf, given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Noted journalist Faye D’Souza, taking to Facebook, strongly condemned Trump’s post, calling it an unprecedented act of disregard by a global leader. "Donald Trump has uploaded an AI-generated video on his social media page that shows a fictional land called 'Trump Gaza,' complete with a golden statue of him, money raining from the sky, and bearded belly dancers. Never before in the history of global politics has any Head of State behaved in this manner with the world quietly standing by. I haven’t reproduced the video because it’s deeply offensive," she wrote.
The AI-generated video begins with grim footage of present-day Gaza, depicting ruins and destruction with the text “Gaza 2025” in bold green letters. This is followed by the phrase “What’s Next” in red and blue, hinting at Trump’s supposed future plans for the region.
As the video progresses, the devastated landscape is rapidly replaced by high-rise buildings, extravagant hotels, luxury resorts, sports cars, nightclubs, and pristine beaches. A techno soundtrack plays in the background with lyrics such as, “Donald Trump will set you free. No more tunnels, no more fear. Trump Gaza is finally here.” The song continues with more exaggerated claims, calling the fictional development “golden” and “brand new,” as visuals of a child holding a gold balloon with Trump’s face appear on screen.
Adding to the surreal imagery, the video includes scenes of a man tossing money in the air as children scramble to collect it, luxury yachts on the coastline, and a massive golden statue of Trump towering over the city. Further into the video, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is seen while money rains from the sky in the background, before a final bizarre scene featuring Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sipping cocktails in shorts.
Trump’s Instagram post did not include any caption, but the implications were immediately clear, sparking a barrage of criticism.
Social media erupted with furious responses to Trump’s portrayal of Gaza. Many condemned it as “highly offensive” and “disgusting” given the dire situation in the war-torn enclave, where thousands have been killed and countless homes have been reduced to rubble amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
One user wrote, “Dear Donald, Gaza is not for sale. It belongs to Palestinians.” Another comment read, “This is the most disgusting thing a president has ever posted on social media.” Many Trump supporters, who had backed him in the 2024 US elections, expressed disappointment, with one user commenting, “This is terrible… This is not at all why we voted for you.”
Trump’s critics also pointed out the absurdity of the video. A comment sarcastically noted, “Okay, maybe I should’ve voted for Kamala,” referring to former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the 2024 election to Trump.
The video follows Trump’s shocking announcement on February 4, made during a joint press conference with Netanyahu at the White House, where he proposed a long-term US-controlled redevelopment of Gaza. "We will own it and be responsible for dismantling all the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site. We would level destroyed buildings and create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area," Trump had stated.
Netanyahu had responded favorably, calling Trump’s idea “something that could change history.” However, the proposal drew strong backlash worldwide, with many governments condemning it as imperialistic and dismissive of Palestinian sovereignty.
Several countries, including Turkey, France, Russia, China, Spain, Ireland, and the UK, rejected Trump’s vision, reiterating their commitment to a two-state solution. France warned that such a move could further destabilize the Middle East, while Turkey called the idea "unacceptable."
Palestinian groups, including Hamas, denounced Trump’s proposal as "ridiculous and absurd," warning that it could ignite tensions in the region.
Despite the backlash, Trump has neither deleted the video nor responded to the growing criticism.
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Shivamogga (Karnataka) (PTI): Three labourers were killed and four others injured after a landslide struck a road construction site at Hulikal Ghat in this district, police said on Friday.
The deceased have been identified as Raghavendra (37), Raju (30), and Shabbir (40), all engaged in wall construction work at the site, they said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the families of the deceased.
The incident occurred late Thursday afternoon at a hairpin bend in Hulikal Ghat in Hosanagara taluk, they said.
According to officials, a massive landslide of soil and rocks from the hillside buried the workers.
A total of seven workers were caught in the landslip. Three labourers died on the spot after being trapped under the debris.
Rescue teams managed to pull out four injured workers and shift them to hospitals in nearby areas, including Kundapura and Udupi, for treatment, they said.
The mishap took place during ongoing efforts to build a retaining wall aimed at ensuring the safety of vehicles navigating the ghat section, which is known for its steep curves and landslide-prone terrain.
An SDRF team from Mangaluru reached the place early Friday morning and took up relief work.
Police, fire and emergency personnel rushed to the spot soon after the incident and launched rescue operations.
Authorities said the sudden collapse of loose soil and rocks from the upper slope is suspected to have triggered the landslip.
A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to ascertain whether adequate safety measures were in place at the worksite.
Taking to 'X', CM Siddaramaiah said that regarding the incident, I have spoken with District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa and obtained information.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the news that three workers lost their lives when soil collapsed during the construction of a road barrier at a bend in Hulikal Ghat, in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district. I pray that the souls of the deceased unfortunate workers attain eternal peace, and that their family members find the strength to bear this sorrow," he said.
These breadwinning lives, which were the support of their families, have been lost in this tragedy, and on humanitarian grounds, a compensation of Rs five lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased workers, the chief minister added.
