- The president gave us a first glimpse of “Trump Gaza” three weeks after floating the idea of expelling nearly 2 million Palestinians to pave the way for a “Riviera of the Middle East.” It’s unclear whether the AI video is an attempt to marshal support to take over control of Gaza or simply another media distraction. The official White House account has yet to post the video.
When Donald Trump first floated his idea of turning Gaza into the Riviera of the Middle East earlier this month, he was short on details.
Flanked by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the president only specified his intention to expel the nearly 2 million Palestinians living there as part of a permanent “resettlement” plan and occupy the land—if need be with American boots on the ground.
Now he has posted what appears to be an AI-generated promotional video for his ultimate vision—a playground for the world’s wealthy he is calling “Trump Gaza.”
Answering the question of what’s next for the strip after more than a year of war that reduced it to a moonscape, the images look like a mashup of Las Vegas meets Dubai. And at its heart towering over the palm-tree-lined boulevards is a gigantic statue memorializing Trump in gold.
“Donald is coming to set you free/ Bringing the light for all to see/ No more tunnels, no more fear/ Trump Gaza is finally here,” a female voice begins to sing in music set to a house beat. “Trump Gaza shining bright/ Golden future, a brand-new light/ Feast and dance, the deed is done/ Trump Gaza, number one.”
Trump statue likened to Biblical idol-worshipping in ancient Babylon
Interspersed are images of mega-yachts anchored off sandy beaches, dollar bills raining from the sky, and a child grasping onto a hot air balloon in the shape of Trump’s head.
The AI has added what appears to be Dubai’s sail-shaped Burj al Arab hotel, a mosque’s minaret, and belly dancers.
Complete batshit lunacy on the president's Truth Social account. Yes, he really posted this. Pic.twitter.com/MaFIqUH1r0
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 26, 2025
Elon Musk shows up several times as well, dunking pita bread in hummus, as does Netanyahu enjoying a poolside cocktail next to Trump. The latter is pictured cavorting with a scantily clad woman, which led to a number of his more religious fans on Truth Social voicing their discomfort.
“This feels all wrong and actually makes me sick. I have supported you since Day 1, but this is filth. There is no God in this,” one user using the handle @QueenAnonAmy replied.
Another by the name of Brooke took issue with the towering sculpture of Trump, likening it to the ancient idolatry of Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. “The gold statues are indicative of self-worship,” she wrote, “like the golden calf.”
Little support for using U.S. Troops to seize control of Gaza
Trump’s proposal to use American troops and funds to guarantee Israel’s security has not sat well with the more isolationist wing of his MAGA base, to whom he promised an end to wars.
His plan has found its strongest support among right-wing Israelis and evangelical Christians. Democrats have accused the president of supporting “ethnic cleansing,” while in Europe the notion of expelling Gazans has not received a positive welcome.
It’s unclear whether the AI video is an attempt to marshal support to take over control of Gaza or simply another media distraction. His social media strategy often appears to be deliberately provocative to gain attention. The official White House account on X has yet to post the video.