A brutal AI campaign targeting Trump and JD Vance amid the escalating China tariff war has left many social media users stunned.
An intensifying trade conflict between the United States and China has taken an unusual turn — through the power of artificial intelligence.
While both nations battle over tariffs, AI-generated images and videos mocking Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have gone viral, fueling a digital propaganda war.
The ongoing US-China tariff battle has escalated into A digital frontline
The US-China tariff war has reached new extremes, with each country imposing increasingly severe economic penalties on the other.
What began with Trump’s return to aggressive economic nationalism has sparked global concerns over inflation, supply chain disruptions, and mounting political tensions.
In early April, Trump declared what he called “Liberation Day,” introducing sweeping tariffs aimed primarily at Chinese goods.
These included a base tariff rate of 25%, which quickly escalated to a staggering 145%, and later 245%, targeting industries ranging from electronics to textiles.
China responded by raising tariffs on all US goods to 125% and cutting exports of rare earth minerals, materials vital to technology production.
With retaliation in full swing, the US market is bracing for billions in losses and higher consumer prices.
Social media turns into a battlefield with AI mockery of Trump and Vance
While the economic impact ripples globally, a parallel war is being waged online.
AI-generated images and deepfake videos have been widely circulated on Chinese social media, aiming to ridicule Trump and Vance. These satirical visuals blur the line between digital art and political commentary.
One viral image shows Trump applying mascara to JD Vance in a pink bedroom — both sitting on a bed. Another widely shared photo features Vance wearing eyeliner, dubbed mockingly as “eyeliner man”.
These digital portrayals mock the perceived softness or incompetence of American leadership amid the trade standoff, serving as a form of political resistance and humor.
On social media, many viewers were stunned by the video and shared their thoughts.
While some found it funny, others criticized the mocking AI video from China, suggesting that China should raise tariffs after mocking Trump.
Some were also furious, claiming that the AI came from the U.S., while accusing China of copying U.S. technology.
One person said: Made in China.
A second wrote: It’s so confusing to me that they make fun of him by saying he wears eyeliner but the left is all for men wearing makeup and drag queens running children’s events lol. Seems a little odd.
Another user added: That would explain the heavily and poorly applied eyeliner on JD.
Someone commented: Only in China? I thought it was the whole world
AI Videos criticize Trump’s promise of economic revival through tariffs
One widely viewed clip shows unhappy, overweight Americans sewing clothes in outdated factories. The sarcastic caption reads: “Make America Great Again～#tariff #america.”
Another video, also viral on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), shows Trump, Elon Musk, and JD Vance working in a factory — attaching laces to sneakers.
The scene ends with a biting nod to Trump’s campaign slogan, parodying his claim to bring back jobs lost to globalization.
These satirical productions aim to expose what critics say is the absurdity of reviving heavy industry through isolationist trade policy.
The impact of AI propaganda in a real economic crisis
Although humorous on the surface, this AI-driven propaganda campaign has serious implications. It reflects how artificial intelligence is being used to shape global perceptions and influence public opinion during high-stakes geopolitical events.
China’s use of AI mockery serves a dual purpose: undermining American leadership and fueling domestic nationalism. These digital messages, even when exaggerated, become part of the broader information war that complements economic retaliation.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration is facing growing pressure from US businesses, economists, and voters — especially as tariffs raise prices and shake investor confidence.