Gavin Newsom's AI-Generated Video Targets Trump Amid Immigration Controversy

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) recently shared an AI-generated video on social media that portrays President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller in handcuffs. The video, which plays R&B singer SZA's song "Big Boys," depicts the three men sitting on steps with their hands behind their backs, transitioning to scenes where they appear to cry in the backseat of a car. The video concludes with the trio seemingly approaching a courthouse surrounded by police and reporters. Newsom's post was a direct response to a similar video released by the White House, which showcased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests and also featured SZA's song, captioned, “WE HEARD IT’S CUFFING SZN. Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.”

The Hill

The term "cuffing season" refers to the desire to enter romantic relationships during the colder months. The phrase gained popularity through various media, including a 2022 Saturday Night Live sketch featuring SZA. Newsom's video appears to satirize the White House's messaging around immigration enforcement, particularly targeting Trump's hardline policies, which have faced criticism from various quarters, including Newsom himself.

The Independent

Newsom has been vocal in his opposition to Trump's immigration policies, particularly those orchestrated by Miller, who is known for his stringent stance on immigration. In a recent interview, Newsom described Miller as embodying a "cruelty" in his approach. Additionally, Newsom's use of AI-generated content to critique Trump is not new; he has previously shared images and videos that mock the former president's actions and statements.

The Independent

In an interview on "The Jack Cocchiarella Show," Newsom remarked on his evolving view of Trump's potential third term, stating, “I’ve softened... on this notion of a third Trump term because time of life and state of mind.” He expressed a belief that Trump's influence would be measured in years rather than decades, suggesting a sense of relief regarding the future political landscape.

The Hill

While Newsom's video has garnered attention, it has also sparked discussions about the appropriateness of using AI in political commentary. Critics argue that such tactics may trivialize serious issues surrounding immigration and law enforcement. Furthermore, the White House's portrayal of ICE operations has been met with backlash from artists like SZA, who condemned the use of her music in their messaging.

The Hill

• “It’s cuffing season,” — Gavin Newsom

The Hill

• “Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.” — White House post on X

The Hill

• “I think there’s a cruelty to him” — Gavin Newsom on Stephen Miller

The Independent

As the political landscape evolves, Newsom's use of AI-generated content reflects a broader trend of leveraging technology in political discourse, raising questions about its implications for public perception and political accountability.

The Hill