WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has been active on his social accounts as Democrats gather for their convention in Chicago, but some of his posts don’t have much to do with reality. Ahead of the Democratic National Convention, he posted a fake image of someone who looks like Vice President Kamala Harris addressing what appears to be a communist rally in Chicago with a depiction of a red banner with a communist symbol. That followed his repost of a phony video of himself dancing next to billionaire Elon Musk, one of his most vocal supporters.
Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour on June 21 in London. Just before the convention kicked off, he reposted an image of Taylor Swift in an Uncle Sam outfit and accepted her endorsement for his campaign, which she had never given. They’re the latest examples of how Trump is promoting images produced by artificial intelligence tools to attack his opponents or create illusions of support around his own campaign.
It’s in keeping with a long-standing strategy in which Trump amplifies messages — from QAnon adherents to those who deny the results of fair elections — to score political points and satisfy his base by promoting alternate realities. Former President Donald Trump falsely accused the Harris Campaign of using AI to manipulate images of the crowd at her rally on Aug. 11.
Some of the images and videos Trump has shared are cartoonish or obviously fake. Yet the rise in AI-generated content across political social media concerns experts who say it can be used to push more insidious and believable disinformation. As fake images, videos and audio clips created by generative AI models begin to saturate social media, they also risk eroding people’s trust in what they see and hear.
“The AI-generated deepfakes of Taylor Swift are yet another example of AI’s power to create misinformation that deceives and defrauds voters,” said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, a progressive consumer rights advocacy group that has pushed for legislation to regulate AI. “The potential harms to our society that could result from such misinformation, including abuses of our elections, are wide-reaching and immensely damaging.” One AI-generated image in Trump’s Truth Social post, shared on Sunday, showed women in “Swifties for Trump” shirts, a reference to the artist’s devout fans.
The fake image showing Swift dressed as Uncle Sam included text saying, “Taylor wants YOU to VOTE for DONALD TRUMP.” In his repost of the image, Trump added, “I accept!” One of the images Trump shared included a small satire label, though he didn’t clarify whether he meant his post was in jest. Swift, who remains on her world tour and has a show scheduled Tuesday night in London, has made no endorsement in this year’s U.
S. presidential race. Her spokesperson did not return multiple messages seeking comment.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza on Aug. 17 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. To Republicans outside Trump's orbit, the focus on someone like Swift — one of the most talked about artists in the world — is all about garnering attention for Trump at a time when much of the focus is on Harris and Democrats.
“This is how he and the campaign can wrest back news cycles,” said Doug Heye, a longtime Republican spokesperson and operative. "I hesitate to say to their credit, but I think we all know, if you want to be talked about, Taylor Swift is a great way to do it.” A Harris spokesperson did not respond to questions about Trump's use of images generated by artificial intelligence.
Trump supporters frequently create social media posts and memes using AI-generated images, some of which get shared by the former president. Before Trump shared the phony Swift images, his supporters had been creating and posting their own AI-generated videos and images of the pop star appearing to support Trump. They also shared numerous images of Harris dressed as a communist leader or addressing a Soviet crowd.
Political operatives have long been concerned about what the rise in artificial intelligence could mean for elections. Some members of Congress have pushed for legislation to regulate the use of AI-generated images in politics, but no legislation to do so has gotten close to passing. The Federal Communications Commission has proposed requiring political advertisers to disclose their use of artificial intelligence in television and radio ads, but such a rule would not affect the social media platforms.
While several social media companies have rules for labeling AI-generated content, they aren’t always followed. Across platforms, misleading and lifelike images of both Trump and Harris amass millions of views, with some users not recognizing what they are seeing is fake. Given her influence and millions of fans, Swift has often become a trending political topic during election years.
In 2020, she supported President Joe Biden, writing a month before the election that she was going to be cheering for then-vice presidential nominee Harris, this year’s Democratic nominee, in her debate against then-Vice President Mike Pence. She also was openly critical of Trump ahead of the 2020 election, saying he had stoked “the fires of white supremacy and racism.” While she has remained on the sidelines so far this year, she has not escaped notice from prominent conservatives who worry about a Swift endorsement of the Democratic presidential ticket.
Fox News’ Jeanine Pirro earlier this year warned Swift not to “get involved in politics.” Fox News’ Sean Hannity urged her to “think twice” about backing Biden when he was running for reelection. And Vivek Ramaswamy, a former GOP presidential candidate and vocal Trump supporter, called Swift and her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce “an artificially culturally propped-up couple” who may make “a major presidential endorsement” this fall.
Some of her supporters have responded to Trump’s posts by taking to social media and declaring their intentions to vote for the former president. Trump’s campaign is seizing on that support. Steven Cheung, Trump’s spokesman, did not address the use of fake images in response to questions, but called “Swifties for Trump" a "massive movement that grows bigger every single day.
” Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, applauds with Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Thousands of Republican delegates officially made Donald Trump their party's presidential nominee just days after he survived an assassination attempt.
The shooting hung over the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where prominent GOP officials and everyday citizens from around the country spoke to the party faithful. They made their case for Trump to return to the White House and savaged Democratic President Joe Biden with blistering attacks on his record and his mental acuity. Appearing in public for the first time since a bullet grazed his ear, Trump entered the Fiserv Forum with a white bandage prominently affixed to his ear, a visual reminder of the potential tragedy he narrowly escaped.
He also made his first appearance with his chosen running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. For Trump, a former reality television star highly attuned to his public image and the visuals he projects, the convention provided a chance to choreograph an entertaining spectacle for his loyal supporters and the voters he's trying to court.
All as supporters in cowboy hats, “make American great again” caps, Trump masks and American flag regalia cheered him on. Delegates arrive at the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Delegates walk around the hallway during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
The floor of the Fiserv Forum is seen with a slow shutter speed during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he leaves after attending the first day of the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. Behind Trump are two members of the Secret Service.
A delegate wears a tee shirt with a photo of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump being surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.
A delegate holds up a photo during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Delegates dance around during the Republican National Convention, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Georgia delegate Kathleen Thornman takes a picture with her phone during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
A color guard is reflected in a mirror during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. Delegate Aj Yvette is seen during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. A service dog, "Lambeau," rests during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance arrives at the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. An Ohio delegate holds up a sign during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, is introduced during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. Delegates are seen during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, right, with his dog named "Baby Dog" speaks during the Republican National Convention, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Texas delegates cheer during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Delegates reacts as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is introduced during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Delegates hold during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. Texas delegates cheer during the Republican National Convention, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump points to his ear as he talks to Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump appears with vice presidential candidate JD Vance, R-Ohio, during the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump departs after the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Arizona delegate Joe Neglia and Stacey Goodman watch during the Republican National Convention, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is seen during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives during the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump appears during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. Delegates walk along the hallway during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is introduced during the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. At right is Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio.
Hulk Hogan takes the stage during the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Pictures of the assassination attempt of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump are displayed during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. A supporter holds up a sign during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Hulk Hogan tears off his shirt while speaking on the final night of the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump attends the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives for the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is introduced during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. As Melania Trump watches, Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump signs paperwork to officially accept the nomination during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Kid Rock rehearses his performance before during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Hulk Hogan waving US flag while on stage during the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Hulk Hogan tears off his shirt while speaking on the final night of the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Tucker Carlson speaks during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Tucker Carlson walks up to the podium to speak on the final day of the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. A supporter cheers during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. A Bronze replica Make America Great hat that has been dipped in 24 carat gold is seen by artist Jeff Hamilton during the final day of the 2024 Republican National Convention near the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
As Melania Trump and Usha Chilukuri Vance watch, Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, sign paperwork to officially accept the nomination during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. As Usha Chilukuri Vance, Ivanka Trump former first lady Melania Trump and Eric Trump watch, Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen.
JD Vance, R-Ohio, sign paperwork to officially accept the nomination during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Hulk Hogan speaks during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Eric Trump speaks on the final night of the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Melania Trump is introduced during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Melania Trump is introduced during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Melania Trump is introduced during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Delegates bow their heads in prayer during the Republican National Convention, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Kid Rock performing on the final day of the the Republican National Convention on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Hulk Hogan waves a flag during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Supporters cheer during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Hulk Hogan speaks during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen.
JD Vance, R-Ohio, watch Eric Trump speak during the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump attends the final night of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!.
