Trump shares AI-made videos mocking “No Kings” protesters

In short: Millions protested “No Kings” rallies nationwide, and President Trump responded by posting AI-made mockery videos online.

What happened

On October 18, 2025, “No Kings” protests took place in more than 2,600 locations across all 50 states. Reports described millions of participants, including families, veterans, and activists. Protesters said they were rallying against what they viewed as authoritarian behavior by President Donald Trump, including attacks on the media, political opponents, and immigrants.

Soon after, Trump posted several AI-generated videos on Truth Social. AI-generated video means a computer system makes or alters a video so it looks real, like a very advanced photo and video editor. One video showed Trump as a crowned monarch flying a fighter jet labeled “King Trump” and dropping feces on a city. Another showed Trump wearing a crown and cape while Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, appeared to kneel before him. Vice President JD Vance shared a similar video.

Trump also addressed the issue in a Fox Business interview, saying, “I’m not a king,” while criticizing Democrats.

This was the third major set of “No Kings” protests since Trump returned to the White House. A previous event in June 2025 happened at more than 2,100 locations and overlapped with a US Army parade held on Trump’s 79th birthday. Signs at demonstrations in cities including Washington, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York included messages like “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting.”

Why it matters

The dispute is also about how leaders use AI in political messaging. Critics, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, said these videos are an inappropriate use of AI and can weaken trust in democracy. Supporters argued the posts were satire, but the backlash shows how quickly AI-made media can inflame political conflict.

Source: NYTimes