White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino faced backlash after posting an AI-generated video on social media. The video depicted a fictional celebration following a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping. It showed Scavino spraying champagne while riding a luggage cart in the White House alongside his wife Erin Scavino and Eric and Lara Trump, before greeting President Donald Trump.
“This is not an intended for the Dems heads to explode—Being some of the post State Dinner party has gotten out, I felt inclined to share mine as well, in complete transparency, with the American people. GOD BLESS THE USA!!!” Scavino wrote in an Instagram post that included the video.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.
Critics React to AI Party Video
Scavino continued to share the video despite criticism labeling the post as “tone deaf.” Many Americans are concerned about increasing living costs. As reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices rose 2.7 percent since last year, and grocery prices saw a 2.2 percent annual increase. Additionally, gasoline prices climbed 26.7 percent and electricity prices were up 4 percent as of June, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The Lincoln Project’s official account commented on the video with, “You’re struggling. They’re partying.” Carrie Prejean Boller, a former Miss California and Trump supporter, criticized the post on X, saying, “Many Americans can’t afford groceries, gas or their mortgage payment, and you post a tone-deaf AI video of you and your buddies partying at the People’s House.”
Sarah Longwell, an anti-Trump Republican and founder of the Bulwark, described the video as “Real fall of Rome s***” on X.
These reactions emerged as Trump’s approval rating dropped to 37 percent, marking a new low ahead of midterm elections according to Wall Street Journal polls dating back to 1990.
The same poll highlighted that 65 percent of participants rated the U.S. economy negatively, with 60 percent believing Trump’s economic policies worsened the economic situation.
More AI Party Videos Surface
The controversy over Scavino’s video was echoed by another AI-generated clip labeled the “lost Xi camera roll.” In this video, Elon Musk discovers images of a lively party featuring the president, First Lady, President Xi Jinping, and the First Lady of China. The footage showed playful scenes like riding boats on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and sitting on the knee of the Lincoln statue.
Elon Musk reacted to the video by writing, “I kinda wish it was real tbh” on X. The imagined after-party has gained over 10 million views.
The Role of State Dinners
State dinners, while often associated with glamour, are crucial for strengthening diplomatic connections. These events date back to the 19th century and allow U.S. presidents to honor visiting leaders. Historic examples include dinners for England’s King George VI and former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev, highlighting the significance of diplomatic traditions in marking key international relations.
Contact Newsweek
For more information about this story, contact Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Emma Lee-Sang.
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