AI Fake Tears for Trump Spark Furious Backlash with 5 Million Views
AI-generated videos showing fake Venezuelan “citizens” crying tears of joy and thanking Donald Trump have gone viral, racking up over five million views. But the reality? A whopping 86% of Venezuelans want Nicolás Maduro to stay put, according to recent polls.
The top video, shared by X account “Wall Street Apes,” features entirely synthetic clips of supposed locals gushing about Trump “freeing” them. An AI narrator solemnly declares: “The people cry for their freedom, thanks to the United States for freeing us. The hero, thank you Donald Trump.”
Reality Check: Maduro’s Majority Backing Amid Deadly US Strikes
- US air strikes in Venezuela have killed at least 80 soldiers and civilians — with more casualties expected.
- Thousands have hit the streets nationwide to protest against the US attacks.
- A NOV survey reveals only 8% back the far-right opposition handpicked by Trump.
- Even critics of Maduro slam the US military incursion.
The fake “thank you” videos stand in stark contrast to real local outrage and polling data.
Politicians Push AI Fakes, Fueling Misinformation Frenzy
High-profile figures like Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago have jumped on the AI bandwagon, sharing manipulated videos and images to spread lies about Venezuela. Just hours after Maduro’s kidnapping rumours, AI-generated photos claiming to show him in US custody went viral — long before any official word.
“The U.S. empire’s war propaganda is getting much more sophisticated. You can bet the U.S. government will use AI to justify its many more imperialist wars of aggression,” warned geopolitical analyst Ben Norton.
Mexican journalist José Luis Granados Ceja compared the disinformation flood to the 2002 media coup that briefly ousted Hugo Chávez. He said: “It shouldn’t be a surprise that in 2025 new tech and fake AI videos are being used toward similar ends.”
AI Propaganda: The Dangerous New Frontier in Fake News Warfare
This AI-driven propaganda marks a chilling step up in info warfare. Fake videos falsely claim Venezuelan approval for US intervention while real opinions resist it. The speed and reach of AI fakes make them a potent tool to fool Western audiences.
Politicians sharing such content reveal either deliberate deceit or alarming digital ignorance. With synthetic media flooding social feeds faster than fact-checkers can respond, this sets a worrying new precedent.
Experts warn Venezuela could be the blueprint for future AI-fuelled fabrications designed to justify military interventions worldwide.
