In a humorous and imaginative twist, AI Elon Musk, reimagined as a Ming dynasty official, has gone viral for his unique approach to explaining DOGE efficiency. Photo: Bilibili
BEIJING (SCMP): An AI version of Elon Musk reimagined as a Ming dynasty secret agent in a Chinese video clip has gone viral, highlighting the significance of DOGE efficiency through kung fu.
Recently, a netizen known as “Dark Tone” created an AI-modified clip of a 2011 Chinese martial arts film and uploaded it to Bilibili, China’s equivalent of YouTube.
The first 3D martial arts film in mainland China, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, narrates the tale of a swordsman battling against two secret service agencies established by the Emperor during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).
Historical records reveal that the Ming emperors founded two intelligence agencies, the Eastern and Western Depots, to suppress the populace and eliminate political adversaries through ruthless tactics.
The Eastern Depot was responsible for surveillance, arrests, and interrogations, while the Western Depot focused on domestic and foreign intelligence to uphold national security.
In the AI-modified clip, the leader of the Western Depot, an intelligence agency, is replaced by a likeness of Elon Musk. - Photo: Bilibili
Both agencies were managed by eunuchs, who were in constant rivalry to enhance their power.
In Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, the leader of the Eastern Depot is assassinated, with the identity of the killer remaining a mystery. The head of the newly formed Western Depot investigates the case, while the Eastern Depot feels its influence with the Emperor is threatened.
In the AI-modified clip, the leader of the Western Depot is replaced by the likeness of Musk, the CEO of Tesla and the wealthiest person in the world.
Following Donald Trump’s election victory, Musk was appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump announced that the efficiency agency would eliminate excessive regulations, curtail wasteful spending, and restructure federal agencies, provoking strong opposition from Democrats.
In the clip, AI Musk embodies DOGE and visits the Eastern Depot for an investigation.
In the clip, an official throws a teacup at AI Musk, who shatters it with his kung fu skills, showcasing his power. - Photo: Bilibili
The officials express annoyance at his interference, questioning his involvement in federal matters. AI Musk retorts by mocking Kamala Harris’s defeat and challenging the officials’ ability to support the Democratic Party.
He then stresses his point: “Government officials should ease the president’s concerns.” The official counters, questioning his qualifications given DOGE’s brief existence.
The confrontation intensifies as the official throws a teacup at AI Musk, who employs his kung fu skills to shatter it. He then pushes over a wooden chair, demonstrating his power.
AI Musk declares: “Let me show you what DOGE is: we’ll cut the budgets the federal government can’t, and fire those it’s too afraid to fire. Trump has given us the authority to act first and report later.”
As of now, Musk has not commented on this clip.
The Chinese version of the video was removed from Bilibili due to copyright issues, but the English version continues to be widely shared and enjoyed on YouTube and X platforms.
One online observer noted: “What’s remarkable is that the original movie was fundamentally about the same theme – government power struggles and how staff reductions often lead to chaos.”
Another remarked: “China has such a long history and rich culture. They understand government and power dynamics better than we do.”
Musk impersonators and intriguing memes frequently make headlines on social media.
On November 24, Musk shared a photo of himself flying in an Iron Man suit on X, which ignited a meme frenzy online. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
