Gavin Newsom releases AI video showing Trump and senior officials in restraints
WASHINGTON, DC: California Governor Gavin Newsom released an AI-generated video on Wednesday, December 10, in response to a recent White House deportation clip that used singer SZA's 'Big Boy' song.
The administration's video showed immigration agents detaining individuals and sparked criticism from SZA and other artists.
Newsom's AI video replicated the format but replaced real footage with artificial depictions of President Donald Trump and two senior officials in handcuffs.
The exchange comes as artists continue to object to their music being used in government-produced immigration enforcement content, and as Newsom increasingly uses social media to counter the administration's messaging.
Gavin Newsom AI video shows top Republicans in handcuffs
Newsom's AI-generated video features simulated scenes of Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller sitting on a curb in handcuffs as snow falls and siren sounds.
The clip later shows the three figures seated in a vehicle with their hands cuffed, followed by a frame of them walking toward what appears to be a courthouse entrance.
The White House's original deportation video, posted a day earlier, incorporated SZA's 'Big Boy' song over footage of ICE agents detaining individuals.
White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK ..inhumanity +shock and aw tactics ..Evil n Boring https://t.co/PIKoYEdn2y
— SZA (@sza) December 10, 2025
SZA criticized the use of her song, calling the administration's actions "evil n boring," while her team said artists were being "baited" into reacting publicly.
“White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK ..inhumanity +shock and aw tactics ..Evil n Boring,” SZA wrote in a post on X.
White House deportation videos draw backlash from artists
The White House has used popular music in several immigration-related videos in recent months, prompting objections from multiple musicians.
A previous clip set to Sabrina Carpenter's 'Juno' was removed after the singer called it "evil and disgusting."
I went to prison, defending the constitution because of woke assholes like you who Weaponized our justice system. This isn’t close to funny. All you are doing is inciting more violence. https://t.co/d3CtmXLiLe
— Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) December 11, 2025
In another instance, musician Jack White condemned the use of his track 'Seven Nation Army', saying, “Oh…. Don’t even think about using my music you f**cists,” White said.
Former White House adviser Peter Navarro criticized Newsom's AI-generated video in a post on X, writing, "I went to prison, defending the constitution because of woke a**holes like you who Weaponized our justice system."
“This isn’t close to funny. All you are doing is inciting more violence,” he added.
