AI-generated memes and videos from China are poking fun at the United States amid the intensifying trade conflict, with US President Donald Trump and his allies at the centre of the mockery. While some Americans are finding the material amusing, others are offended by what they see as ridicule of the working class.
One video that has gone viral shows overweight Americans performing low-skilled manual labour to the sound of sombre Chinese music. Other videos depict Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Elon Musk and other senior US officials toiling away in assembly lines, making iPhones and sneakers. The people featured in the clips usually appear gloomy and overweight.
A meme shared widely on social media mocks the iconic red Make America Great Again cap — produced in China and previously retailing for $50 — now priced at $77 after Trump’s proposed tariffs. Another image features Trump waiting tensely by a telephone, with a speech bubble asking, “Why won’t he call?”
The trolling comes as anti-China rhetoric heats up across the MAGA world, with Trump supporters accusing China of stealing American jobs and intellectual property. Top US officials have also made disparaging remarks about China. This week, Vice President JD Vance appeared on Fox News, where he said, “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.”
China currently holds $760 billion in US Treasury bonds, which plays a key role in sustaining America’s consumption-driven economy.
Social media responses to the Chinese memes have been mixed. Some Americans took the videos in stride. “When did China get a sense of humour?” asked one user. Another said, “I love how they're trolling us with the work that they do.”
Others, however, did not take kindly to the mockery. “Mocking the working class. Maybe I’m missing something?” one user posted. Another replied, “What’s wrong with factory workers?”
Online backlash soon followed on Chinese social media and diplomatic accounts as well. A video shared by the Chinese Embassy in the US featured former leader Mao Zedong declaring, “We don’t back down!” The post sparked sharp reactions. One American user responded, “So you roll out one of the biggest mass murderers in history as a mascot? Interesting choice.” Another quipped, “Mao represents the future you want?”
One user invoked Confucius, writing: “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”
(with ToI inputs)
One video that has gone viral shows overweight Americans performing low-skilled manual labour to the sound of sombre Chinese music. Other videos depict Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Elon Musk and other senior US officials toiling away in assembly lines, making iPhones and sneakers. The people featured in the clips usually appear gloomy and overweight.
Double Golden Age https://t.co/JXr0Bm06a6 pic.twitter.com/lmvQQ76TGH
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) April 8, 2025
A meme shared widely on social media mocks the iconic red Make America Great Again cap — produced in China and previously retailing for $50 — now priced at $77 after Trump’s proposed tariffs. Another image features Trump waiting tensely by a telephone, with a speech bubble asking, “Why won’t he call?”
The trolling comes as anti-China rhetoric heats up across the MAGA world, with Trump supporters accusing China of stealing American jobs and intellectual property. Top US officials have also made disparaging remarks about China. This week, Vice President JD Vance appeared on Fox News, where he said, “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.”
This AI-generated video has gone viral on social media, portraying scenes of Americans working hard in factories. It imagines what the U.S. might look like under Trump’s so-called “reindustrialization” gambit. pic.twitter.com/NoRpz2yR1K
— 鳳凰衛視PhoenixTV (@PhoenixTVHK) April 10, 2025
China currently holds $760 billion in US Treasury bonds, which plays a key role in sustaining America’s consumption-driven economy.
Social media responses to the Chinese memes have been mixed. Some Americans took the videos in stride. “When did China get a sense of humour?” asked one user. Another said, “I love how they're trolling us with the work that they do.”
Others, however, did not take kindly to the mockery. “Mocking the working class. Maybe I’m missing something?” one user posted. Another replied, “What’s wrong with factory workers?”
You will own nothing and be happy pic.twitter.com/ZfAZUZ0U4h
— Drew Pavlou 🇦🇺🇺🇦🇹🇼 (@DrewPavlou) April 7, 2025
Online backlash soon followed on Chinese social media and diplomatic accounts as well. A video shared by the Chinese Embassy in the US featured former leader Mao Zedong declaring, “We don’t back down!” The post sparked sharp reactions. One American user responded, “So you roll out one of the biggest mass murderers in history as a mascot? Interesting choice.” Another quipped, “Mao represents the future you want?”
One user invoked Confucius, writing: “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”
(with ToI inputs)
You may also like
'The ideology of BJP is same as ancient invaders': Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray
Haryana CM Saini prays at Anandpur Sahib on Baisakhi, honours Khalsa Panth, Jallianwala victims
Paddy Pimblett challenges Conor McGregor after stunning KO of Michael Chandler at UFC 314
'Mamata's politics turning Bengal into Jallianwala Bagh': BJP's CR Kesavan on Murshidabad violence
'World must respond firmly': Over 21 killed in Russian strike on Ukrainian city of Sumy; Zelenskyy shares visuals
