Donald Trump is no stranger to outlandish conspiracies or strange social media posts. But, by any measure, his post on Saturday night was particularly bizarre. The president posted (and later removed) a clip on Truth Social of a fake Fox News segment with Lara Trump detailing the White House’s announcement of the world’s first MedBed hospital and a national MedBed card system (two things that very much do not exist). Fox News told The Verge that the MedBed segment, “never aired on Fox News Channel or any other Fox News Media platforms.”
There was no additional context, no text to explain things. Confusing matters more, the video appears to be completely AI generated, including Trump himself discussing the program in the Oval Office. (Perhaps one of the biggest giveaways being the president’s ability to stay on script.)
MedBeds, for those that tend to avoid the more QANON-y corners of the internet, are an imaginary medical device that can do everything from treat asthma, to regrow missing limbs, to cure cancer. The fantasy of an all-in-one device that can cure all your ills has obvious appeal, but belief that these are real products being kept from the American public by Big Pharma has grown among conspiracy theorists in recent years.
Many of the presidents followers acknowledged that the video was AI-generated, but still seemed to believe that Trump was confirming the existence of MedBeds. Whatever the purpose of the post was, we may never know. The president frequently sends things out into the ether and never explains himself. And now that the video has been removed the White House will likely try to pretend the whole incident away.
Updated September 28th: Added comment from Fox News.
This post highlights another intriguing moment in Trump’s ongoing engagement with unconventional ideas. It’s fascinating to see how these topics continue to spark conversation and debate.
You’re right; it really does showcase his unique approach to connecting with his audience. It’s interesting how he leverages controversial topics like MedBeds to spark discussion, even if the ideas themselves are quite unconventional. It makes you wonder about the impact of such content on public perception.
I agree, his methods definitely set him apart. It’s interesting how he leverages technology, like AI, to engage with his supporters, even when the content is controversial. It raises questions about how effective these tactics are in shaping public perception.
Absolutely, it’s fascinating to see how he uses new technologies to communicate his ideas. It really highlights the evolving nature of political messaging in the digital age. It makes you wonder how other leaders might adapt similar tactics in the future.
does highlight the evolving landscape of political messaging. It’s interesting to consider how AI and digital media can amplify both credible information and conspiracy theories, shaping public perception in unprecedented ways.
Absolutely, the use of AI in political messaging is definitely changing the game. It raises questions about authenticity and how easily misinformation can spread. Trump’s approach seems to blur the lines between reality and digital manipulation, which could have lasting implications for how we consume news.
You’re right! The integration of AI in political messaging is fascinating and can really amplify certain narratives. It also makes it crucial for viewers to critically evaluate the content they consume, as the line between reality and manipulation can become blurred.