White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino has faced criticism for posting an AI-generated video on social media. The video depicted a fictional after-party following a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the clip, Scavino appeared to spray champagne while riding a gold luggage cart through the White House. He was accompanied by his wife, Erin Scavino, and Eric and Lara Trump. President Donald Trump greeted them.
Scavino captioned the Instagram post, “This is not 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 a comment from the White House after the post was shared.
Critics React to AI White House Party
While Scavino continued sharing the videos across social media, critics called them “tone deaf,” especially given current economic concerns among Americans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that food prices in August were 2.7% higher than the previous year. Grocery prices rose by 2.2% year-over-year. Furthermore, gasoline prices increased by 26.7% as of June, with electricity prices up 4% from a year prior, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The Lincoln Project’s official account shared the video, writing: “You’re struggling. They’re partying.” Former Miss California and erstwhile Trump supporter Carrie Prejean Boller expressed her discontent on X, saying, “You really have no shame, do you? 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. MAGA is dead.”
Sarah Longwell, an anti-Trump Republican and founder of the Bulwark, commented that it resembled “Real fall of Rome s***.” These reactions came as Trump’s approval rating fell to 37%, the lowest for any president entering a midterm election in Wall Street Journal polls since 1990. Within the same survey, 65% of respondents viewed the U.S. economy negatively, while 60% felt Trump’s economic policies had worsened it.
More AI Partying
Scavino’s video wasn’t the only instance of AI after-party depictions at the White House. Another video posted on September 25, called the “lost Xi camera roll,” showed Elon Musk finding a camera filled with images of a lively party. The imagined gathering included the president, first lady, Xi Jinping, and the first lady of China. Scenes included riding boats on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and performing a keg-stand at the White House. The video amassed over 10 million views.
On reacting to the video, Elon Musk commented on X, “I kinda wish it was real tbh.”
The Purpose of State Dinners
State dinners serve more than a ceremonial purpose. They play a crucial role in strengthening diplomatic relationships. These events, which have been held since the 19th century, allow presidents to honor visiting heads of state. Hosting figures such as England’s King George VI and former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev, these formal traditions have marked pivotal moments in relations between the U.S. and other nations.
For further details, contact Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Emma Lee-Sang.