In an unexpected turn of events, Elon Musk and Donald Trump became the stars of an AI-generated video that has taken social media by storm. The 36-second clip, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), shows the tech mogul and the former U.S. President dancing in perfect harmony to the Bee Gees’ classic hit, “Stayin’ Alive.”
The video, which was shared by Musk on August 14, has since captivated millions of viewers, sparking a mix of amusement, disbelief, and admiration.
“Haters will say this is AI”
The AI-generated video was first shared by Mike Lee, a U.S. Senator from Utah, who posted it on X with a light-hearted tone. Not long after, Musk himself reposted the clip, adding a cheeky caption: “Haters will say this is AI.”
Haters will say this is AI 🕺🕺 pic.twitter.com/vqWVxiYXeD
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 14, 2024
The video features both Musk and Trump in sharp suits, grooving to the iconic disco tune with impressive coordination and enthusiasm. Despite the unmistakably digital origins of the video, it has been received with a mix of humour and awe by many online users.
Within hours, Musk’s post amassed over 100 million views, with reactions pouring in from all corners of the internet. The former U.S. President also shared the video on August 15th, contributing to its viral success. Trump’s repost garnered nearly 30 million views in a matter of days, further fuelling the online buzz.
Social Media Reactions
The video has elicited a wide range of reactions from social media users. Some praised the creativity and humour behind the AI-generated content, while others expressed skepticism or poked fun at the surreal nature of the video. Comments varied from light-hearted jests to serious debates about the implications of AI in media.
One user remarked, “And that’s why the haters should go to heck. If they don’t think you can dance like that, I’d like to see them do better.” Another compared the duo to iconic superheroes, saying, “Captain America and Iron Man Fighting For America and Humanity.”
What a time to be alive. pic.twitter.com/0Qq537wOIg
— Machiavelli (@TheRISEofROD) August 14, 2024
Not all reactions were purely positive or humorous. Some users raised concerns about the authenticity of content in the digital age, questioning the potential for AI to blur the lines between reality and fiction. Nonetheless, the overall reception of the video leaned towards amusement and entertainment, with many acknowledging it as a clever piece of digital art.
Elon Musks Endorsement and Interview
The video comes in the wake of Elon Musk’s recent endorsement of Donald Trump for the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. Musk announced his support in July 2024, shortly after Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The endorsement was met with mixed reactions, with some praising Musk’s stance, while others criticized his alignment with the controversial political figure.
On August 13, 2024, just a day before the video was posted, Musk and Trump participated in a live interview streamed on X.
The interview, which encountered a 40-minute delay due to technical issues, covered a wide range of topics, including the assassination attempt, immigration, cyberattacks, and inflation. During the conversation, Trump expressed a blend of grievances and bold claims, while Musk offered subtle nods of agreement, further solidifying their partnership.
A Light-hearted Moment Amidst Serious Discussions
The release of the AI-generated video provided a brief moment of levity amidst the serious discussions surrounding the upcoming election and the ongoing political discourse in the U.S. While the video may be seen as a simple piece of entertainment, it also highlights the growing influence of AI in shaping public perceptions and media content.
