Donald Trump published an AI-generated video on his social media account in which he presents himself as “Dr. Trump” and claims to cure critics of what he labels “TDS,” short for “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
The clip features deepfaked versions of several well-known Hollywood figures, including Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Edward Norton, Robert De Niro and Julia Roberts. In the video, the AI-generated O’Donnell says she had suffered for nearly a decade but noticed improvement after consulting Dr. Trump. The deepfake Robert De Niro describes his condition: “I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I was constantly angry. I made everyone around me miserable.”
In the footage, Trump appears in a white medical coat with a stethoscope around his neck and says some critics were so deeply afflicted that he was not certain his treatment plan would work. He advises those he calls TDS sufferers to “turn off the fake news, pray, and if you ever feel anxious, drink a diet Coke like I do, and you will see remarkable change in your life.”
Rosie O’Donnell quickly responded to the video, accusing the president of being ill and worsening by the day. She urged application of the 25th Amendment, calling for his removal, indictment and conviction.
The post follows a pattern of Trump experimenting with AI-generated and provocative imagery to promote his presidency or attack opponents. Earlier this year he shared an image depicting himself as Jesus healing patients; that post was later removed after some Christian supporters protested and called it blasphemous.
The episode highlights the growing role of AI-manipulated media in political communication and the ethical and legal debates such content provokes.
Key facts
- Content: AI-generated video in which Donald Trump appears as “Dr. Trump.”
- Deepfaked figures: Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Edward Norton, Robert De Niro, Julia Roberts.
- Reaction: Rosie O’Donnell called for use of the 25th Amendment and criminal charges.
- Context: Trump has previously shared AI-based or provocative images, including an early-year post showing him as Jesus that was removed.
