Newark [US], November 2 (ANI): Former President Barack Obama on Saturday criticized an AI-generated video of US President Donald Trump released on “No Kings Day,” calling it a deliberate distraction meant to divert voters’ attention from real issues.
Speaking at a rally in Newark, New Jersey, in support of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, Obama denounced what he described as “political rhetoric and fabricated conspiracies” emerging from the Trump administration.
Referring to the viral AI-generated clip depicting Trump wearing a crown, flying a fighter jet, and dumping waste on American citizens, Obama told the crowd, “The weird videos of a US president with a crown on his head, flying a fighter jet and dumping poop on American citizens.”
The remark drew boos from the audience, prompting Obama to quickly add, “That’s not even worth booing about.” He said such spectacles were created to distract voters from the realities of their lives.
“All of that is a distraction,” Obama said. “All of that is designed to distract you from the fact that your situation, your life, has not gotten better. They do that so you won’t notice.”
Obama’s comments came weeks after Trump shared the 19-second AI-generated video on October 19 via Truth Social. The clip showed Trump piloting a fighter jet emblazoned with the words “King Trump,” spraying mud over “No Kings” protesters in what appeared to be New York’s Times Square, and targeting social media influencer Harry Sisson.
The timing of Trump’s post coincided with nationwide demonstrations under the banner of the “No Kings Protest.” According to CNN, the protests drew nearly seven million participants across more than 2,700 cities and towns, voicing opposition to Trump’s administration and policies.
The turnout marked an increase of two million compared to the first round of protests held in June this year, reflecting a surge in public mobilization against the administration. Law enforcement officials reported that the protests remained largely peaceful, with no incidents or arrests recorded.
In Chicago, viewed as the epicenter of Trump’s immigration crackdown, protesters carried “Hands Off Chicago” signs, upside-down American flags, and a mix of Mexican and Pride flags. In Los Angeles, demonstrators in inflatable costumes waved American flags along major streets, while in Washington, federal employees rallied along Pennsylvania Avenue on the 18th day of the ongoing government shutdown, calling for calmer political rhetoric.
Despite widespread criticism, the White House shared a screenshot on X on October 19 showing Trump wearing the “Emperor’s crown.” The image, posted the same day as the video, further fueled backlash and sparked debate across the political spectrum.
The dual posts on October 19—the AI-generated video and the screenshot—came as political tensions in Washington escalated amid a federal government shutdown and partisan gridlock over a funding bill.
As protests grew and public anger mounted, Obama’s remarks directly addressed these displays, urging voters to look beyond online theatrics and focus on the real challenges impacting their daily lives.
While Democratic leaders have largely voiced support for the protests, many Republican lawmakers have criticized them as anti-American. (ANI)
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