Controversy Over AI-Generated White House Party Video
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino faced criticism after sharing an AI-created video depicting a fictional after-party following a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping. The video showed Scavino spraying champagne while riding a gold luggage cart through the White House with his wife, Erin Scavino, along with Eric and Lara Trump, before being greeted by President Donald Trump.
“This is not intended for the Dems heads to explode; 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 featuring the video. Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.
Critics React to AI White House Party
Despite Scavino continuing to share videos across social media, critics labeled the posts as “tone deaf.” Many Americans remain concerned about the cost of living. Food prices rose by 2.7% in August compared to last year, and grocery prices increased by 2.2%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Gasoline prices soared by 26.7%, with electricity prices 4% higher than the previous year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The Lincoln Project criticized the video, posting: “You’re struggling. They’re partying.” Former Miss California Carrie Prejean Boller, a long-time Trump supporter, condemned the video on X: “You really have no shame, do you? Many Americans can’t afford groceries, gas, or mortgage payments, and you post a tone-deaf AI video of you and your buddies partying at the People’s House. MAGA is dead.”
Sarah Longwell, anti-Trump Republican founder of the Bulwark, commented on X, calling it “Real fall of Rome s***.” The reactions emerged as Trump’s approval rating dropped to 37%, the lowest for any president heading into a midterm election according to Wall Street Journal polls since 1990. Nearly two-thirds of respondents in the same poll rated the U.S. economy negatively, with 60% stating Trump’s policies worsened the economy.
Further AI Partying
Scavino’s video wasn’t the sole AI-generated after-party depiction. Another video on September 25, titled “lost Xi camera roll,” featured Elon Musk discovering a camera with pictures of an extravagant party including the president, first lady, Xi Jinping, and the Chinese first lady. From riding boats on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to posing on the knee of the Lincoln statue, riding a horse through the White House halls, and Trump performing a keg-stand, the video has been viewed over 10 million times. Elon Musk commented on X, “I kinda wish it was real tbh.”
Purpose of State Dinners
Although associated with glamour, state dinners play a critical role in strengthening diplomatic relations. These ceremonial events have occurred since the 19th century, providing presidents an opportunity to honor visiting heads of state. From hosting England’s King George VI to former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev, formal diplomatic traditions have long marked significant moments in U.S. relations globally.