Trump Posts Controversial AI-Generated Video Amid Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests

Former President Donald Trump has posted a controversial video on his social media platform, Truth Social, depicting him wearing a crown and flying in a jet emblazoned with the words "King Trump." The video, which shows brown liquid (resembling excrement) being dumped on protesters from the plane, was released on the same day as nationwide “No Kings” protests across the United States.

These protests, held in cities across all 50 states, saw thousands of people rallying against what they perceived as authoritarian behavior under the Trump administration.

The video, which plays Kenny Loggins' popular song “Danger Zone” in the background, shows Trump’s jet soaring over a crowd of protesters, with the brown liquid being poured over their heads. This surreal imagery sparked outrage among critics who saw it as an attack on free speech and dissent.

The protests themselves were organized by progressive groups such as Indivisible, MoveOn, and local organizations like 50501. Demonstrators carried signs that read, "I do not pledge allegiance to any king" and shouted slogans against what they saw as autocratic tendencies under Trump’s leadership. The "No Kings" movement follows a massive June protest in which an estimated 5 million people took part across nearly 2,000 locations.

On the same night as the video’s release, the official White House account also posted an AI-generated image showing Trump and Vice President JD Vance wearing royal crowns, with a message reading, "Good night," followed by a crown emoji.

Trump has a history of posting AI-generated and altered images. Last month, he shared a video where Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries was depicted with a false mustache and a sombrero, accompanied by mariachi music. The video was widely criticized as racist and offensive, with Jeffries calling it “racist and vile.”

In response to the protests, Republican leaders criticized the “No Kings” movement, accusing it of exacerbating political gridlock and labeling it a “Hate America Rally.” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson briefly responded to inquiries, saying in an email, “Who cares?”

During an interview on Sunday, Trump downplayed the notion of being seen as a "king." "They’re calling me a king. I’m not a king," he said.