‘This Should Be Illegal’: Controversial MAGA Deepfake Sparks Major Backlash

Controversy Arises Over MLK Deepfake Video

Outrage has surged on social media platform X following the release of a deepfake video depicting Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. appearing to endorse Donald Trump. This controversial clip was shared just a day before an anticipated election announcement, raising concerns about its potential to manipulate Black voters.

A Troubling Video Post

The video was uploaded by the pro-Trump account @MAGAResource on November 4 at 10:11 AM and has since been removed. Accompanying the deepfake, the caption stated, “Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream and if he could speak today….” The nearly three-minute video employs advanced deepfake technology to recreate King’s iconic voice, making it seem like he is promoting MAGA values.

The AI-generated voice asserts, “We’ve been told again and again that we cannot vote for the man that did more for the Black community than any other president.” It goes on to criticize Democrats, alleging that they have failed the Black community and have prioritized illegal immigrants over their needs. This narrative has prompted accusations of scapegoating tactics.

The video culminates with a declaration: “We will vote for Donald Trump as our president, and we will fight beside him to make America great again. We will not allow the American dream to die.” Given that Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, it is impossible for him to have made any such endorsement, underscoring the absurdity of implying he would align with Trump’s ideology.

Fierce Backlash to the Manipulation

Social media users have widely denounced the video, with many expressing their outrage at the exploitation of King’s image and voice. One commenter stated, “this should be illegal,” echoing the sentiments of others who labeled the video as “shameful,” “disgusting,” and “vile.”

Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., publicly condemned the video on X, demanding its removal. She wrote, “Delete this, @MAGAResource. It’s vile, fake, irresponsible, and not at all reflective of what my father would say. And you gave no thought to our family.”

Delete this, @MAGAResource. It’s vile, fake, irresponsible, and not at all reflective of what my father would say. And you gave no thought to our family. https://t.co/v03vZmlwfO

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) November 4, 2024

Historical Context of MLK’s Legacy in Politics

This incident is not isolated; MLK Jr.’s legacy has previously been invoked in political contexts concerning Trump. Earlier this year, Trump claimed that his rally attendance surpassed that of the 1963 civil rights march where King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Additionally, he has compared North Carolina’s potential first Black governor, Mark Robinson, to King, stating he is “Martin Luther King (Jr.) on steroids.”

“It’s important, I think, from my perspective, that if my father is ever used, that I have to say, ‘No, … this is not what my father represented.’ And I just want people to know that that’s an untruth, because so many people, for whatever reason, listen to the former president,” remarked Martin Luther King III talking to USA TODAY.

It’s noteworthy that many members of the King family, including MLK III, have openly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, expressing their commitment to the principles for which Martin Luther King Jr. fought.

Source & Images