Donald Trump sparks backlash after sharing AI-generated video of Stephen Colbert being thrown into a trash can
US President Donald Trump has posted an AI-generated video of former late-night show host Stephen Colbert being thrown into a trash can, sparking a backlash online.
The video, shared on President Trump’s Truth social account Friday night, shows Colbert on stage during the taping of the film’s final episode. Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Before that, an animated version of Trump approaches him from behind, picks him up, and throws him into the trash can. The video then cuts to President Trump dancing to Village People’s YMCA.
X’s official White House account also reposted the AI-generated clip with the caption “Bye.”
President Trump later celebrated Colbert’s exit from the show in another social media post, calling the comedian “done for CBS” and claiming his exit was “the beginning of the end” for other late-night hosts who have been critical of him.
Mr. Colbert wrapped up his 11-year run on CBS Thursday night with a finale that eschewed direct political jokes and instead focused on celebrity cameos and musical performances. The episode ended with Paul McCartney joining Colbert to perform “Hello Goodbye.”
CBS’ parent company, Paramount, previously said it was forced to cancel “Late Show” for financial reasons, but the move was controversial due to the network’s relationship with President Trump and the company’s ongoing merger talks.
The AI video quickly spread on social media, with critics accusing President Trump of using artificial intelligence to mock political opponents and incite online hostility. Some defended the post as satire or political trolling.
The incident is the latest example of AI-generated political content becoming increasingly common online, particularly involving celebrities and viral social media attacks.
