AI-Generated Video Misattributing Trump on Biafran Secessionists Revealed as False
A false video claiming Donald Trump vowed to aid Biafran secessionists in Nigeria has been traced to AI manipulation. The video, shared widely online, features Trump making statements he did not actually make in his original 2021 speech. Fact-checking has confirmed the video’s inauthenticity, highlighting issues of misinformation related to the Biafran movement.
A video circulating on social media falsely attributes statements to former President Donald Trump regarding his intent to support Biafran secessionists in Nigeria. The video, which has gained traction with over 2,000 shares since its February 18, 2025 posting, claims Trump would act after resolving the Ukraine conflict. It originated from a Facebook page, ‘Republicans of United States of Biafra,’ which endorses Biafran independence, a cause tied to Nigeria’s historical conflict during the 1960s.
Reflecting on Biafra’s struggle for independence, recent events include the arrest of Simon Ekpa, who self-identifies as Biafra’s prime minister, in Finland for allegedly inciting violence. Nnamdi Kanu, the founding figure of the Biafran movement, is also under trial in Nigeria. The claims within the video appear to bear significant falsehoods, particularly as they present Trump discussing topics he never addressed in the original video referenced.
Upon detailed examination, recognizable flaws indicate the video was generated using artificial intelligence. These defects, especially around Trump’s mouth and chin, betray that the clip is not authentic. Additionally, the video contains a watermark from a website known for generating public figure videos. Previous fact-checking efforts by AFP have identified the original footage as a 2021 clip from CNBC, where Trump discussed the Capitol riots, without any reference to Nigeria or Biafra.
The dissemination of this doctored video highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation, particularly with regard to Biafran secessionist claims about international support. Activists have previously misrepresented statements from foreign governments as endorsements of their movement. Ensuring accurate information is crucial in the conversation surrounding sensitive political issues like secession and nationalism.
In summary, the circulated video misrepresenting Donald Trump’s comments is an AI-generated fabrication with clear inconsistencies. The original footage has no connection to Biafra or Nigeria, having been taken from a prior context entirely unrelated to the topic. This incident underscores the ongoing issue of misinformation, particularly within politically charged discussions regarding the Biafran independence movement. Vigilance and critical analysis remain imperative in countering such deceptive narratives.
Original Source: factcheck.afp.com
