US President Donald Trump has sparked outrage after posting graphic footage on his Truth Social account showing a man being fatally mauled by a tiger at a wildlife park in Britain. The video, which was also shared by the White House's official “Rapid Response 47” account on X, shows the final moments of William Chapman, a UK national who died from his injuries following the incident on Saturday.
Trump captioned the 41-second clip with the words “Don't ever mess with nature!” and later posted a second video featuring apparently AI-generated footage of people being attacked by big cats, accompanied by synthesiser music. In a further post, he shared an AI-generated clip of himself wrestling with and befriending a smiling tiger, set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Backlash over insensitivity
The posts drew immediate criticism from social media users, many of whom described the videos as “disgusting” and “sick.” Commenters on the White House's X post accused the president of disrespecting the victim and his family. “A family is grieving and you decide to post their family members’ final moments to the entire world,” one user wrote. Another added, “I voted for you but not for this. Can’t you just get an intern to run your social media campaign?”
The incident has reignited debate about Trump's use of social media, which has previously included AI-generated videos mocking marginalised groups and an image of himself as Jesus Christ that he later deleted after criticism from religious groups. His administration has frequently employed AI-generated memes as part of a strategy described as “memetic warfare” by Kurt Sengul, a researcher at Australia's Macquarie University. Speaking to Euronews last year, Sengul said this approach creates an environment in which nothing appears to be taken seriously.
The video's release comes at a time when transatlantic relations are already strained, with European leaders closely watching Trump's actions on issues ranging from Greenland's strategic importance to energy deals involving Russia. The president's casual sharing of a British citizen's death has been seen by some European observers as another sign of disregard for European sensibilities.
British authorities have confirmed that the attack took place at a wildlife park in the UK, though the exact location has not been disclosed. Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident, and an investigation is ongoing.
This is not the first time Trump has faced criticism for his online behaviour. Earlier this year, he posted a video mocking a political opponent, and in 2024 he shared a manipulated image of himself as a religious figure. Critics argue that such posts undermine the dignity of the presidency and normalise cruelty, while supporters often dismiss the backlash as overreaction.
The White House has not commented on the latest controversy. However, the continued use of provocative content suggests that the administration sees social media as a key tool for engaging with its base, regardless of the diplomatic or ethical implications.
For Europeans, the episode serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of US political discourse under Trump, and the challenges this poses for transatlantic cooperation on issues like European strategic autonomy and security cooperation with Ukraine. As the continent navigates these turbulent waters, the question of how to engage with a US president who treats tragedy as entertainment remains pressing.
