French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a bold step into the world of artificial intelligence—by deepfaking himself.
In a viral video montage, Macron appears in a variety of AI-generated scenes, sporting an ’80s-style mullet, rapping in a music video, and giving a hairstyle tutorial. Another clip features him in a hoodie discussing techno music. The playful post, which has drawn millions of views, is part of a broader push to position France as a leader in AI development.
Bien joué… pic.twitter.com/zthA2zIBja
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 9, 2025
The timing is strategic. France is preparing to host a major tech summit in Paris, where global AI leaders—including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and U.S. Vice President JD Vance—will convene. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will co-chair the event, signaling a growing international focus on AI governance.
Macron’s Instagram post has already surpassed 200,000 likes, while his corresponding post on X (formerly Twitter) has been viewed nearly 10 million times. The reactions range from amusement to deep interest in the broader message behind the stunt.
“It’s pretty well done,” Macron says at the end of the video, acknowledging the technology’s sophistication. “It made me laugh. But more seriously, with artificial intelligence, we can do some very big things: change healthcare, energy, life in our society. France and Europe must be at the heart of this revolution—to seize every opportunity and also to promote our principles.”
Macron has long advocated for European AI independence, arguing that the continent must not rely solely on U.S. and Chinese technology giants. This latest move underscores his commitment to making AI a cornerstone of France’s technological strategy.
Analysts see the video as more than just a lighthearted post—it’s a calculated attempt to engage the public in the conversation about AI’s future. “Macron understands that AI is not just a technical issue but a cultural one,” says French tech journalist Clara Lefevre. “By using humor and digital creativity, he’s making AI more accessible to the average citizen.”
As world leaders and industry experts gather in Paris, the question remains: Can France carve out a leading role in the AI revolution? If Macron’s viral experiment is any indication, he’s betting big on it.
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