Critics Slam Dan Scavino for AI-Generated Video After State Dinner

White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino faced criticism after posting an AI-generated video on social media. The video depicted a fictional party following a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In the video, Scavino appeared to spray champagne while riding a gold luggage cart through the White House with his wife Erin Scavino, and Eric and Lara Trump. President Donald Trump seemed to greet them. Scavino shared the video on Instagram, stating, “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!!!” Newsweek sought comments from the White House via email.

Critics React to AI White House Party

Scavino’s video met backlash amidst Americans’ concerns over living costs. Food prices increased by 2.7% in August compared to the previous year, while groceries were up by 2.2%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Gasoline prices rose 26.7% as of June, and electricity costs increased by 4% year-over-year, reported the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Lincoln Project shared the video on X, commenting, “You’re struggling. They’re partying.” Former Miss California and Trump supporter Carrie Prejean Boller criticized the video, questioning the timing given current economic challenges. Sarah Longwell, a former conservative and Trump critic, remarked about the video with a historical reference.

The controversy occurred alongside a drop in Trump’s approval rating to 37%, the lowest for a president approaching a midterm election according to Wall Street Journal polls since 1990. Within the same poll, 65% of respondents viewed the U.S. economy negatively, and 60% believed Trump’s policies worsened the economic situation.

More AI Partying

Scavino’s video was not the lone AI portrayal of a White House party. On September 25, another video known as the “lost Xi camera roll” appeared. This video showed Elon Musk finding a camera with photos of a wild party featuring the president, first lady, Xi Jinping, and China’s first lady. Scenes included riding boats on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and humorous antics within the White House. This video garnered over 10 million views. Elon Musk commented on X, “I kinda wish it was real tbh.”

Why Does the Government Host State Dinners?

State dinners play a crucial role in fostering diplomatic relations. These events, rooted in 19th-century traditions, allow presidents to honor visiting heads of state. Whether hosting England’s King George VI or Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, these formal gatherings have marked essential diplomatic milestones between the U.S. and other nations.

For further details, Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Emma Lee-Sang can be contacted.