A video message from Donald Trump addressing the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sparked controversy over its authenticity, with some speculating that it was generated or edited using artificial intelligence (AI). The video, posted by the White House, shows Trump condemning the killing and blaming the "radical left" for fueling hostility towards conservatives.
However, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a glitch at the 18-second mark where Trump's hands appear to morph and shift positions, sparking speculation about the use of AI or digital editing. Some experts attribute this glitch to a "morph cut" effect, a standard video editing technique used to blend multiple takes seamlessly.
Experts are divided over whether AI was used in the video. Hany Farid, a University of California, Berkeley professor and co-founder of deepfake detection company GetReal Security, analyzed the footage and found no evidence of AI manipulation. Farid did note "some localized video manipulation" when Trump's right hand appears distorted at around 19 seconds into the clip.
On the other hand, some viewers claim the video shows signs of AI generation, pointing to the glitch and other perceived anomalies. They argue that the White House might have reused or modified old footage, or used AI enhancement to create a convincing digital simulation.
The controversy surrounding Trump's video message highlights the growing concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology. Trump himself has expressed concerns about AI, calling it "maybe the most dangerous thing out there" due to its potential for misuse. Regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are also warning about the risks deepfakes pose to global markets and security.¹ ²
