Arabs and Muslims in the United States and abroad are expressing strong criticism over a controversial video shared by President Trump on social media. The video, which appears to be AI-generated, has generated significant backlash for its depictions involving Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sunbathing in Gaza.
The contentious video portrays scenes of destruction in Gaza being transformed into a glitzy Riviera-style resort dubbed TRUMP GAZA. It depicts children emerging from the rubble into a world filled with palm trees and luxury buildings, crowned by a towering golden statue of Trump. Adding to the controversial nature, the video shows men in apparent drag dancing in bikinis on the beach, Trump enjoying a belly dancer, and a figure resembling Elon Musk being showered with cash in the form of U.S. currency.
The video comes on the heels of Trump's suggestion that the U.S. should take over the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians. In Gaza, where internet access is limited, those who managed to view the video expressed anger. NPR Gaza producer Anas Baba shared the video with 20-year-old Mohamed Abdelrahman, who rejected its implications. "We won't be lured by a few statues and money, leave us alone and let us rebuild our homes by ourselves," Abdelrahman stated.
Faye Nemer, CEO and founder of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) American Chamber of Commerce in Dearborn, Michigan, also criticized the video. She labeled it offensive and counterproductive to peace talks, calling on Trump to remove the video and issue a reconciliatory statement. Despite having voted for Trump in November, Nemer is vocal in her disapproval.
When questioned about the video and President Trump's messaging regarding Gaza, the White House reiterated his past statements. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly highlighted that, as President Trump has stated, "Gaza in its current state is uninhabitable for any human being." Kelly emphasized Trump's vision to involve the United States in Gaza's rebuilding, aiming to create beautiful new communities for Palestinians and improve regional conditions for future generations.
