Trump Releases AI Video Portraying Himself as Doctor Treating Critics
On Thursday, former President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video on social media in which he portrays himself as a doctor claiming to have cured some of his most prominent celebrity critics, including Rosie O’Donnell, of the fictional condition known as “Trump derangement syndrome” (TDS).
Outside of the AI-generated portrayal, Rosie O’Donnell responded by stating that her view of the president remains unchanged. In a statement, she offered her own diagnosis:
“He’s quite ill-and getting worse daily. The 25th amendment exists for exactly this reason. Remove. Impeach. Convict.”
The video, shared on the @realDonaldTrump account, features AI-generated versions of celebrities who have publicly criticized Trump and his administration. Among those depicted are Whoopi Goldberg, Edward Norton, and Julia Roberts.
This testimonial-style video uses hyper-realistic, fabricated footage to depict these celebrity figures as expressing regret for their previous antagonism toward the president.
For example, a deepfake version of Robert De Niro states:
“I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, constantly angry. I made everyone miserable around me.”
In the video, Trump appears wearing a white coat and stethoscope as “Dr. Trump.” He admits initial uncertainty about his ability to help those suffering from TDS, a term used by Trump and his supporters to describe critics they consider irrationally opposed to his policies.
“They were so far gone, I wasn’t really sure,”
says the AI-generated Trump before outlining his proposed treatment plan.
The prescribed treatment for those afflicted with “TDS” includes:
“Turn off fake news, say your prayers, and if you ever feel anxious, just have a Diet Coke like me, and you’re going to see a remarkable difference in your life.”
Trump’s Continued Use of AI-Generated Content
Trump has actively engaged in creating AI-generated content, often using it to glorify his presidency or target opponents. Earlier this year, he shared an AI-generated image depicting himself healing the sick. After backlash from prominent Christian commentators and allies who deemed the image blasphemous, Trump deleted the post.
In another instance, he shared AI content portraying himself as the Pope amid a dispute with the pontiff, Leo XIV. Last year, Trump posted a fabricated Time magazine cover showing him as a king wearing a crown, accompanied by the caption:
“Long live the king!”
In February, Trump posted a racist video that depicted Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes, which led to widespread condemnation. Although he deleted the video, he did not issue an apology.
White House Response and Use of Celebrity Likenesses
The White House has generally treated these posts as humorous and part of Trump’s political messaging style. Regarding the latest AI video, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that posting it was Trump’s “right.”
“Trump Derangement Syndrome is a crippling disease that has unfortunately rotted the brains of many people,”
he added.
Officials have not confirmed whether the White House contacted any of the actors whose likenesses were used in the video.
