Is Donald Trump’s video message on Charlie Kirk’s death AI-generated? Netizens point out 18th second ‘glitch’, unnatural colour shift

As Americans mourn the death of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and right-wing political commentator, a video put out by President Donald Trump expressing his grief is being slammed by netizens for signs of possible AI generation.

Users point out unnatural lip sync, overly saturated colour coding and repetitive reflections to claim that the video shot from the Oval Office could be AI-generated or enhanced.

A visual analysis done by Grok points out unnatural colour gradients on flags and other artifacts, exaggerated mouth movement, facial distortion and frozen expression.

Throughout the video, Trump’s hair has a halo effect, which is common in AI renders. On several occasions, the subtitles have timing gaps.

There is an obvious glitch in the 18th second, where there is a sudden jump.

In the 4-minute video, Trump underscored his close ties with Kirk who reportedly played a key role in rallying young Republican voters.

“I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” the President said.

“This is a dark moment for America,” he added.

Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The investigators are still searching for the gunman, and no arrest has been made so far.

Kirk’s death comes amid an alarming surge in political violence in America. Trump, in his video message, promised to crack down on such violence.

“My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it, as well as those who go after our judges, law enforcement officials and everyone else who brings order to our country,” he said.