Obama calls AI-generated Trump video a ‘distraction from real issues’ — Here’s what he said

Former US President Barack Obama has criticised an artificial intelligence-generated video of President Donald Trump, calling it a deliberate distraction from the country’s real challenges as political tensions rise amid a continuing government shutdown.

Obama hits out at ‘fabricated conspiracies’

Speaking at a campaign rally in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday in support of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, Obama condemned what he described as “political rhetoric and fabricated conspiracies” emerging from Trump’s administration.

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

Referring to the viral AI clip released on October 19, Obama told the crowd, “The weird videos of a US president with a crown on his head, flying a fighter jet and dumping waste on American citizens - that’s not even worth booing about.” He said such content was designed to mislead and distract voters.

“All of that is a distraction,” Obama said. “It’s meant to divert you from the fact that your life, your circumstances, your opportunities have not improved. They do that so you won’t notice.”

Viral AI video draws outrage

The 19-second AI-generated video, shared by Trump on Truth Social on October 19 - designated by his supporters as “No Kings Day” - depicted him piloting a fighter jet marked “King Trump” and showering “No Kings” protesters with mud. The clip also targeted American social media influencer Harry Sisson and featured scenes resembling New York’s Times Square.

The White House amplified the controversy the same day by posting a screengrab on X showing Trump wearing an “Emperor’s crown.” The post drew strong criticism from across the political spectrum, including from Democrats and several Republican figures who warned that such imagery trivialised public dissent.

‘No Kings’ protests gain momentum

The AI video coincided with large-scale “No Kings” demonstrations held across the United States on October 19, with nearly seven million people participating in more than 2,700 cities and towns, according to foreign media. The protests, opposing Trump’s administration and policies, marked a rise of about two million participants since the previous round in June.

Authorities reported that the rallies remained largely peaceful, with no major incidents or arrests. In Chicago - viewed as a focal point of resistance to Trump’s immigration policies - protesters carried placards reading “Hands Off Chicago” and waved Mexican and Pride flags. In Los Angeles, marchers in inflatable costumes carried American flags, while in Washington, current and former federal employees gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue, demanding an end to divisive political rhetoric on the 18th day of the ongoing government shutdown.

Calls to refocus on governance

Obama’s remarks come as political gridlock continues in Washington over a stalled funding bill that has kept parts of the federal government closed for nearly three weeks. His comments appeared to urge voters to look beyond online theatrics and hold leaders accountable for the nation’s pressing economic and social issues.

While Democratic leaders have expressed support for the protests, several Republican lawmakers have labelled them as anti-American, deepening partisan divides ahead of next year’s presidential race.

Obama, however, sought to steer attention back to governance. “It’s easy to get caught up in spectacle,” he said, “but what matters is whether people can afford their rent, send their kids to school, and live with dignity. That’s what elections should be about.”