California Governor Gavin Newsom is stepping into controversial territory again, this time with artificial intelligence as his tool of choice. On Wednesday, he released an AI-generated video that has drawn both attention and criticism. The video, shared on X, shows former President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller in handcuffs, crying in the back of a police car, and being escorted into a courthouse amid a flurry of cameras. The video is set to R&B artist SZA’s track “Big Boys,” with a caption reading, “It’s cuffing season.” This is a clear jab at a recent White House post that celebrated Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests of criminal illegal aliens.
This particular video arises in response to an official White House clip showcasing real footage of deportations and arrests, emphasizing the Trump administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement. The White House’s message, “Great news for America,” is a far cry from Newsom’s mockery directed at the administration.
Newsom’s humorous take on serious events may not land as intended. Social media reactions swiftly pointed out the hypocrisy of his actions, especially since he previously signed laws intended to regulate and limit AI-generated deepfakes, particularly in political contexts. Critics were quick to highlight this inconsistency. As one user put it bluntly, “Didn’t you literally try to pass a law that would prohibit exactly what you’re doing right now?” This raises a salient point about accountability and the standards public figures set for themselves.
Despite the backlash, it seems Newsom is undeterred. The video’s reception could serve as a reminder that such tactics can backfire, especially when they contradict one’s previous legislative positions. The governor has not shied away from using AI in political commentary before. Previous posts featured AI-generated content aimed at criticizing Trump, including an image of himself receiving a fictional award parodying the Nobel Peace Prize. These antics paint a picture of a politician willing to skirt the very rules he promotes.
It highlights a growing preference among some political figures to exploit trending technologies and social media platforms to gain traction with their base. Newsom appears to play by the rules when it suits him but bends them for theatrical effect. His choice of AI will likely raise questions about authenticity in political discourse.
In this ever-changing political landscape, Newsom’s approach may resonate with some, but it also raises uncomfortable questions about the limits of political satire and the role of technology in shaping perceptions. The fine line between entertaining commentary and false information continues to blur, making Newsom’s actions both a clever tactic and a risky gamble.
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