The Trump family is used to going viral online and even 18-year-old Barron Trump, who doesn't show his face much in public, hasn't been spared. While the teen has continued to live a discreet life, even at New York University, his father's voters love Barron Trump and have been posting fan videos of him all over social media.
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Unfortunately, such enormous fame also comes with a few negative consequences. His image is now being used in several fake videos that aim to show the young man in a positive light. Here's one such video that has amassed over 800,000 views on YouTube.
Barron Trump's image used a fake video
Barron Trump has recently appeared in a fake video, generated by artificial intelligence, without his knowledge. The story depicted in the video itself is also entirely made-up and it claims that Barron Trump had once helped a homeless man named Leonard. The man had reportedly asked the 18-year-old for $1, but the young business student offered him a $100 note, as well as an address where he might be able to get help.
The earliest version of the video, which has since been archived, was published by the YouTube channel, the Elite Stories, on 15 December 2024. The title reads: 'Homeless Man asks Barron Trump 'Can you give me 1$?' Trump's response is SHOCKING'.
The video shows an artificially generated image of Barron Trump and an anonymous homeless man. The man has been identified by Snopes as Bryon 'Roc' Peeler, a Kentucky-native who featured on a piece by the Courier-Journal back in 2017.
The dangers of A.I.-generated videos
Yes, the story depicted in the video is, in fact, completely made-up. According to Snopes, there is absolutely no record of that interaction ever taking place. The YouTube channel also published a disclaimer at the bottom of the video, which reads as follows:
The stories presented on this channel are entirely fictional and crafted solely for entertainment. Any resemblance to real events, individuals or situations is purely coincidental and unintentional. These narratives are not intended to depict, reference or represent any actual occurrences, persons or entities.
This is one of many videos that Elite Stories has posted that is based off of make-believe events, and Barron Trump is not the only celebrity they do videos about.
The real danger of videos made by artificial intelligence is that many people actually believe they are true. It is not surprising, as the videos are getting more realistic by the hour. Below the Barron Trump video, thousands of people have commented on the video, never questioning its veracity. Some of the comments read:
It’s amazing to see such humility and kindness from someone so young.
Wish my own son was just a small amount of kindness and care as Baron showed to this man. Just wish for forgiveness and love.
Wow! I am so touched. Thanks Barron, you'll be rewarded somehow, God is good and you have a big heart. Be always kind no matter what. God bless you.
Read more:
Source claims Barron Trump is a 'ladies man' at New York University: 'Even liberal people like him'
Sources used:
YouTube: Homeless Man asks Barron Trump "Can you give me 1$?" Trump's response is SHOCKING
Snopes: Fact Check: Debunking Story About Barron Trump Helping a Homeless Black Man
