Trump’s AI-Generated Gaza Resort Video Sparks Security Expert Backlash

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Bente Birkeland
February 27, 2025
11 minutes read

Photo Credit: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump’s latest AI-generated video promoting his vision of transforming war-torn Gaza into a luxury golf resort has drawn sharp criticism, with national security experts questioning both its tone and its impact on the region.

The video, shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform, features animated visuals of a glamorous beachfront development with lyrics declaring, “Donald Trump set you free, bringing the light for all to see. No more tunnels, no more fear. Trump Gaza is finally here.”

Speaking on CNN, national security analyst Kevin Barron expressed frustration over the video’s unrealistic premise and its timing amid ongoing conflict in the region. “I mean, how many times do we have to see something like this where it would be comical if it wasn’t so serious and so exhausting,” Barron remarked to CNN anchor Boris Sanchez.

“These images just, you know, they shock you, and then you laugh, and then you go, what are we doing? And where are we living?” Barron pointed out that the video’s release comes as hostages are being freed and diplomatic efforts are underway, including the Saudi defense minister’s recent visit to the Pentagon.

“So there are these enormous security concerns going on, and this kind of video just does nothing for American security or regional security,” he added. The AI-generated video also depicts Trump as a larger-than-life figure towering over a rebuilt Gaza, complete with Las Vegas-style neon lights. Barron said the imagery reveals much about Trump’s perspective.

Donald Trump In Georgia — Donald Trump greets the crowd during a campaign rally in Georgia. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

“It does show where Trump’s head is, right? It shows he’s calling himself King Trump. He’s putting out images of him as a giant idol in the middle of Gaza that looks like Vegas. Uh, I’m not sure what to say.” Sanchez drew parallels between Trump’s approach to Gaza and his past diplomatic interactions.

“It reminds me a bit of when he went to meet with Kim Jong Un one-on-one, and he apparently showed him a trailer of what North Korean waterfront property would look like,” Sanchez observed. He then raised the question of how Palestinians would perceive the video. “Is this the kind of thing that just generates animosity?” he asked.

Barron responded with skepticism about the video’s intended audience. “I wonder too. I wonder how many see it, actually, who’s watching Trump’s Truth Social account out there right now?” Barron said. He pointed to Trump’s past rhetoric about displacing Palestinians to rebuild Gaza.

“Go back to his original statement when he mentioned this, he was, you know, giddily saying, ‘We’re going to expel all the Palestinians and rebuild this area to make it look like these images.’ And then he sees it and he, you know, promotes it just like he promotes a picture of Time Magazine for himself,” Barron noted.

“Look, he’s called himself King Trump in recent days. He’s portraying himself as a savior for these areas, not for the Palestinian people.”

As the video continues to circulate, its impact remains uncertain, but security analysts warn that its messaging could fuel further tensions rather than contribute to diplomatic efforts in the region.