President Donald Trump has dismissed criticism surrounding AI-generated images of himself, including one depicting him as the Pope, that were posted on social media.
Trump characterized the images as harmless jokes, but communications experts disagree.
The AI-generated images, which surfaced over the weekend, show Trump in papal vestments and wielding a red lightsaber reminiscent of Star Wars villains.
These posts appear consistent with Trump’s provocative style, often used to energize supporters and antagonize critics.
Since his return to office on January 20, Trump has consistently commanded media attention. During a relatively quiet weekend, these images ensured his continued prominence in online discussions and beyond.
Trump’s political career has been marked by striking visuals, from posing with a garbage truck to standing outside a church during protests against police brutality.
However, experts argue that unlike these real-life images, AI-generated pictures blur the lines between reality and fiction, potentially creating misleading narratives.
“I think we are seeing a new phenomenon – the merging of social media and AI power, organized for political power and narrative dominance,” said John Wihbey, director of the AI-Media Strategies Lab at Northeastern University in Boston.
“He’s exploiting this uncharted territory,” Wihbey said.
“I suspect politicians around the world will begin to use generative AI and social together in newfound ways.”
Trump told reporters on Monday that the pope image was posted as a joke on his Truth Social account, which was then reposted by the White House across social media.
“I had nothing to do with it,” Trump said. “It was just, somebody did it in fun. It’s fine. Have to have a little fun don’t you?”
The White House did not respond to questions about who other than Trump posts to his Truth Social account and who created the two memes.
For many Catholics in the United States, Italy and elsewhere, the image of Trump dressed as God’s representative on Earth was offensive.
