Fact Check: Trump Video Supporting Biafran Secession Is AI-Generated

A Facebook video falsely portrays Donald Trump pledging support for Biafran secession, claiming he will liberate the Igbo people. Investigations reveal the video is AI-generated, showing visible inconsistencies. The original footage, which does not mention Nigeria or Biafra, debunks these claims, reminding viewers to be wary of misinformation.

A video circulating on Facebook falsely depicts former President Donald Trump expressing intentions to support the secession of Nigeria’s Biafra region. The misleading clip, which has gained over 2,000 shares since its post on February 18, 2025, presents Trump proclaiming, “After I finish with the Ukraine war in Russia, I will turn to Nigeria to liberate the Igbo people of Biafra.” This video was shared by a page advocating for Biafran independence, which has nearly 3,000 followers.

The Biafran secessionist movement, which seeks independence for Nigeria’s southeast, has historical roots in a civil war fought during the late 1960s. Recent tensions have seen the arrest of Simon Ekpa, who claimed to be acting as Biafra’s prime minister. Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu, the movement’s founder, faces trial in Nigeria following his extradition from Kenya.

Upon closer examination, the video features identifiable digital artifacts around Trump’s mouth and chin, strongly indicating it was generated through artificial intelligence technology. Furthermore, the watermark of a website that allows creation of custom videos of public figures is discernible in the footage.

The original source of the video has been traced back to a legitimate recording uploaded to YouTube on January 14, 2021, by CNBC, effectively debunking the fabricated claims made in the recent clip. In that verifiable footage, Trump discusses the events surrounding the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, without any mention of Nigeria or Biafra.

The viral video misattributing comments to Donald Trump regarding Biafran independence is identified as an AI-generated fabrication. The investigation reveals discrepancies in the video, showcasing its manipulated nature. The original video clearly indicated that Trump did not address issues related to Nigeria or Biafra, emphasizing the necessity of critical scrutiny of information shared online, especially concerning sensitive geopolitical topics.

Original Source: factcheck.afp.com