A video circulating online, appearing to show workers dramatically unveiling Donald Trump’s face added to Mount Rushmore, has been fact-checked and found to be fabricated.
The claim gained traction on social media platforms just before President Donald Trump’s speech at the monument, coinciding with preparations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. The viral clip depicted a grand reveal of Trump’s likeness on the iconic landmark, followed by nighttime spotlights and fireworks.
This imagery prompted mixed reactions, with many expressing disbelief and criticism, while others questioned its authenticity.
Upon closer examination, the video exhibits several indicators of being generated using Artificial Intelligence. These include unnatural seams where Trump’s face meets the rock, soft and blurry transitions, and an exaggerated scale of the workers depicted on the monument. Contemporary footage and images from the actual event at Mount Rushmore do not show any such addition.
A comprehensive fact-check confirmed the video as a CGI/AI-generated meme, noting visual evidence of compositing, impossible physics, and abrupt transitions in lighting.
Separately, during his address at Mount Rushmore on Friday, July 3, Donald Trump delivered a speech celebrating America. He lauded the nation as the oldest and freest republic on Earth, possessing the most righteous Constitution, and declared the United States to be the most successful and exceptional nation in human history. The event was marked by chants of “USA! USA! USA!” from supporters.
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