AI Deepfake Video of Trump Mocking Zelenskyy Spreads on Facebook
An AI-generated deepfake video purporting to show Donald Trump mocking Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's clothing choices went viral on Facebook. The video's creator describes it as parody, but some users shared it as if it were genuine.
What happened
An AI-generated deepfake video depicting US President Donald Trump berating Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "Temu Zelenskiy" for not wearing a suit was shared and spread on Facebook.
The video's creator identified it as parody, but it showed telltale signs of being made using generative AI, with Trump's tone appearing deadpan and expressionless at times. The clip references a February 28 Oval Office meeting where reporter Brian Glenn asked Zelenskyy why he was not wearing a suit, and Trump had quipped "You're all dressed up today."
Reported impact
The video went viral on Facebook, with some users apparently aware it was a joke while others appeared to believe it was genuine. Some Facebook posts sharing the video claimed Trump was making "cold blooded remarks" about Zelenskyy's mode of dressing since the war began.
Other posts appeared to be based on the fake video's content but did not share the clip itself, extending the reach of misinformation.
Index analysis
The deepfake used generative AI technology to create a convincing video with Trump's appearance and voice. The video referenced current events and used Trump's known rhetorical style, including nicknames like "Sleepy Joe" and criticism of Temu as a Chinese retail platform.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.