AI memes mock American factory workers as Chinese officials join online trolls amid tariff war and trade tensions
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Artificial intelligence has taken centre stage in an escalating digital war of mockery between the United States and China. A wave of AI-generated memes and videos showing overweight American workers in factories has gone viral, sparking backlash and highlighting intensifying tensions in the ongoing tariff dispute.
Several Chinese government officials have also joined the fray. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted a meme showing Donald Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” hat rising in price due to US-imposed tariffs—despite official MAGA merchandise being produced in the US.
Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu followed up with a similar post, sharing a collage of MAGA hat prices increasing from $50 to $112.50. These posts were widely shared, amplifying the online campaign targeting American industrial policies and perceived hypocrisy.
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The memes emerged after US Vice President JD Vance recently referred to Chinese workers as “peasants” during a Fox News interview. “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture,” he said, sparking anger and ridicule across Chinese media.
AI-generated videos circulating online portray overweight Americans operating sewing machines, assembling phones, and producing Tesla items in grim factory settings. The clips often end with sarcastic slogans like “Make America Great Again” or “Make America Rich Again,” set to Chinese music.
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AI-generated videos from China mocking "American re-industrialization." pic.twitter.com/wLlaOouBtPIn one viral image, a fictional Trump is shown sewing garments while Elon Musk helps assemble phones. Another meme features a man crying while making a sock under a portrait of Trump, captioned “Make the sock.”
Viral AI Clip Shows 'Trump' Sewing in China After Tariffs Hit" #tariffs pic.twitter.com/Q3FeprgbnV
While some social media users dismissed the content as satire, others argued it highlighted deeper concerns about industrial decline and economic dependence. Chinese netizens called the clips “digital revenge” for past Western criticisms.
The content has escalated in visibility as Trump’s administration increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, accusing Beijing of unfair practices. China remains exempt from the 90-day pause on tariff enforcement.