Debunking AI-Generated Video of Trump on Nigerian Secessionists

A video circulating on social media allegedly shows President Trump promising to liberate secessionists in Nigeria. However, analysis reveals it is an AI-generated fabrication. The original speech from Trump did not reference Nigeria or Biafra. This situation illustrates the risks associated with digital misinformation, particularly in sensitive political contexts.

A video purportedly showing President Donald Trump vowing to ‘liberate’ secessionists in Nigeria is actually an AI-generated fabrication. Since its posting on February 18, 2025, the clip has been shared over 2,000 times on Facebook. In the video, Trump allegedly states, “After I finish with the Ukraine war in Russia, I will turn to Nigeria to liberate the Igbo people of Biafra.” This claim arises from a page entitled “Republicans of United States of Biafra,” which frequently shares pro-Biafran content.

The push for independence among supporters of Biafra focuses on Nigeria’s southeastern region, where a tragic civil war unfolded in the late 1960s. Key figures in this movement include Simon Ekpa, arrested in Finland for allegedly inciting violence, and Nnamdi Kanu, the movement’s founder currently facing trial in Nigeria. Claims of foreign governmental support for Biafran independence have been circulated without substantiation.

Examination of the video reveals distinct irregularities indicating it has been digitally altered. Specifically, noticeable defects around Trump’s mouth and chin suggest the use of AI technology to create the content. Moreover, a watermark from a video-generating website appears in the footage, a platform that allows users to create customized videos featuring various public personalities.

An earlier investigation by AFP Fact Check identified the original source of the video as a speech by Trump uploaded on January 14, 2021, by CNBC. In this legitimate, five-minute video, Trump discussed the violent events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, without any mention of Nigeria or Biafra, underscoring the fabricated nature of the clip.

In summary, the video claiming to feature President Trump discussing Biafran liberation is a product of AI generation, lacking authenticity. Investigations reveal significant visual discrepancies and indicate that the footage misrepresents Trump’s statements. This incident highlights the potential dangers of misinformation in the context of political movements, particularly regarding Biafran secessionist efforts. Therefore, it is crucial to approach such claims with skepticism and rely on verified information sources.

Original Source: factcheck.afp.com