Trump Uses AI Imagery to Bolster Image and Attack Rivals

In a striking blend of technology and politics, former President Donald Trump has embraced artificial intelligence-generated imagery to shape his public image and undermine his political opponents. Since the beginning of his second term, Trump has employed hyper-realistic AI visuals on his social media platform, Truth Social, marking a new phase in political communication that leverages digital manipulation as a strategic tool.

The most recent example of this tactic occurred in September 2023, when Trump shared a video depicting himself as a heroic figure, complete with a crown and flying a fighter jet labeled “King Trump.” This video, which included the theme from Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone,” was released during nationwide protests against what critics described as authoritarian behavior from Trump. The imagery not only glorifies Trump but also ridicules his critics, illustrating a unique approach to political messaging.

AI Imagery as Political Strategy

Trump’s administration is the first to integrate AI-generated content as a central component of its communication strategy. The fabricated visuals have included images of Trump as Superman, an orchestral conductor, and even dressed as the pope. These representations have sometimes misled viewers, prompting questions about their authenticity.

According to Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at the advocacy group Free Press, “Trump peddles disinformation on and offline to boost his own image, attack his adversaries and control public discourse.” This perspective highlights the potential dangers of unregulated generative AI in shaping public perceptions and political narratives.

Trump’s AI-generated content has stirred controversy, particularly when he shared an apparent video promoting a fictitious health care system called “MedBed.” This widely debunked conspiracy theory suggests a miraculous device capable of curing various ailments. The video was styled like a segment from Fox News and featured his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, endorsing the non-existent initiative. The clip was later deleted without explanation, further raising concerns about the accuracy of the material being disseminated.

Impact on Political Discourse

The nature of these AI-generated posts has sparked discussions regarding the impact on political discourse in the United States. Researcher Noelle Cook, author of “The Conspiracists: Women, Extremism, and the Lure of Belonging,” questioned how society can return to a shared reality when leaders use such tactics to mislead the public.

Trump has specifically targeted his rivals with provocative AI content, including a video of former President Barack Obama allegedly being arrested. Additionally, a post featuring House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries depicted him with a fake mustache and sombrero, which Jeffries criticized as racist. Such imagery is designed to energize Trump’s conservative base while simultaneously disparaging those who oppose him.

Political analysts suggest that Trump’s behavior resembles a continuous political campaign rather than a traditional presidency. Joshua Tucker, co-director of the New York University Center for Social Media and Politics, noted that Trump appears to engage in “campaigning through trolling,” which complicates the political landscape and blurs the lines between reality and fabricated narratives.

In a similar vein, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently shared an AI-generated video mocking Republican leaders following significant Democratic victories in recent elections. This trend of using AI imagery for political gain signifies a shift in how political figures communicate and engage with their constituents.

As AI technology continues to evolve, the implications for political communication and public perception will remain a critical area of discussion. The use of AI-generated content raises important questions about authenticity and accountability in the digital age, particularly as political leaders navigate the complex landscape of modern media.