Trump Shares AI-Generated Image

Mocking Kamala Harris

 

Trump, AI, and Misinformation Collide

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again embraced artificial intelligence in his campaign tactics. Over the weekend, Trump shared an AI-generated image of Vice President Kamala Harris dressed in communist attire, complete with a mustache reminiscent of Joseph Stalin. However, the image bore more of a resemblance to Nintendo’s Mario than the infamous Soviet leader.

The AI Image and Its Origins

The AI-generated photo first appeared in a Substack article written by a contributor from the Gateway Pundit, a far-right outlet known for promoting unsubstantiated election fraud claims. Trump reposted the image on Truth Social, linking directly to the article that described Harris as a “rock-ribbed socialist.” He offered no additional context, letting the image speak for itself.

History of Trump Using AI Against Harris

This is not Trump’s first use of AI against Harris. Just last month, he posted another AI-generated image showing Harris addressing a crowd beneath a Soviet flag. He even accused her of using AI herself to fake crowd sizes at her campaign events. Trump argued that such actions should be grounds for disqualification due to “election interference.”

Public Reaction: Satire or Disinformation?

The image quickly gained traction on social media, where users mocked its absurdity. One X user joked that the image made them want to vote for Harris and play Super Mario World. Cartoonist Jason Selvig chimed in, comparing Harris to a heroic plumber saving Princess Peach. Despite its ridiculous appearance, the image reveals a deeper trend in political propaganda—using generative AI to create highly stylized, if not misleading, content.

MAGA’s Meme Warfare and AI Tools

Far-right figures on X, including Elon Musk, joined Trump in using AI for political purposes. Musk posted a similar AI-generated image of Harris in response to her campaign criticizing Trump’s authoritarian leanings. Musk’s tweet included the fabricated caption, “Kamala vows to be a communist dictator on day one,” which has not yet received a fact-check or Community Note.

Criticism from Across the Political Spectrum

Notable public figures like Henry Winkler and former UN official Jan Eliasson condemned Musk’s tweet. Mehdi Hasan, editor of Zeteo and former MSNBC host, called it “straight-up disinformation” and criticized the platform’s lack of moderation.

AI, Politics, and the 2024 Election

The use of AI in this context reflects the surreal and chaotic landscape of the 2024 U.S. election. As generative AI tools become more accessible, their role in misinformation campaigns is growing. Writer Charlie Warzel from The Atlantic notes that AI-generated memes and hyperreal political imagery are becoming central to MAGA’s online presence.

Conclusion: A Dangerous New Frontier

Trump’s repeated use of AI to attack political opponents, amplified by influential allies like Musk, illustrates how misinformation is evolving. While these images may seem laughable, they serve a strategic purposerallying a base and polarizing the public. As the election approaches, the need for critical media literacy and stronger content moderation becomes ever more urgent.