An AI-generated video featuring President Donald Trump as the Green Lantern superhero, posted by the White House social media team on Sunday night, has prompted a range of reactions online. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows the president using the superhero's iconic green ring to construct a border wall and enhance American manufacturing.
The accompanying caption quoted Green Lantern's vow: “In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil’s might beware my power... Green Lantern’s light!”
Some social media users questioned the administration's use of AI-generated memes and pop culture content as a priority, particularly amid ongoing international trade disputes and military engagements. The choice of Green Lantern also drew commentary, with some noting conservative media criticisms of the recent HBO Max series "Lanterns" for its alleged “woke” reimagining of the character's origin to incorporate themes of racial discourse and privilege.
This is not the first instance of the White House utilizing pop culture for social media. In late July, a "Rick and Morty"-inspired cartoon featuring the president and Vice President J.D. Vance was posted. In March, a clip from the 2008 film "Tropic Thunder" was used in a post aimed at building enthusiasm for potential military action with Iran.