Real general, fake video: AI puts words in a Lt. Gen.’s mouth

A manipulated video circulating online falsely portrays retired Lt. Gen. Steven Blum criticizing President Donald Trump and calling for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, according to media literacy experts.

The video, which has been widely shared on social media, appears to show Blum speaking in uniform with a realistic backdrop and voice consistent with a military briefing. Subtle visual inconsistencies, including shifting insignia, moving patches and imperfect lip synchronization, indicate the clip was generated using artificial intelligence tools.

Blum retired from the U.S. Army in 2010. The altered video was created using a photograph taken in 2007 while he was addressing troops in Maryland. That still image was converted into a speaking video and posted online by a parody account, experts say.

The use of a high-ranking military officer’s likeness is seen as an attempt to exploit public trust in military leadership. Analysts warn that such content is designed not only to attract attention but also to sow confusion and division by making fabricated material appear authoritative and authentic.

Media literacy advocates urge the public to slow down before reacting to or sharing emotionally charged content and to consider who benefits from the narrative being promoted. Verification through reliable, independent sources is recommended.

Several tools are available to help identify and evaluate questionable claims, including RumorGuard.org, which tracks trending misinformation; Poynter’s MediaWise project, which focuses on digital media literacy; and Google’s Fact Check Explorer, which allows users to cross-reference claims with verified reporting.

Experts note that the same discipline and critical thinking used in high-pressure situations can be applied online to help protect individuals and communities from the spread of false information.