CNN — Taylor Swift has yet to endorse any presidential candidate this election cycle. But former President Donald Trump says he accepts the superstar’s non-existent endorsement.
Former President Donald Trump has stirred controversy again, this time by posting AI-generated images of Taylor Swift that falsely suggest the pop star endorses him. On Monday, August 19, 2024, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to share the manipulated photos, one of which depicts Swift as Uncle Sam with the words, “Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump.” Other images showed fans wearing “Swifties for Trump” T-shirts, creating a misleading narrative that the singer supports his campaign.
Trump captioned the post with “I accept!” implying that Swift, who has not endorsed any candidate in the current election cycle, is backing him. However, the images were quickly identified as AI-generated, and a representative for Swift has yet to comment on the matter.
This is not the first time Trump has used AI-generated content to push his agenda, but the use of Swift’s image struck a nerve with her fans, known as Swifties. Many were quick to denounce the former president’s post, pointing out that Swift has been an outspoken critic of Trump in the past. In 2020, Swift endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, citing their commitment to social justice and equality, values that Trump has been accused of undermining.
Despite the backlash, some conservative fans of Swift defended Trump’s post. One woman, who appeared in two of the photos Trump shared, claimed that there is a real “Swifties for Trump” movement, even if it is small. She criticized the media for focusing on the AI-generated images rather than acknowledging the existence of conservative Swift fans.
The controversy highlights the growing trend of using AI to create fake images and the potential dangers it poses in the political sphere. With the 2024 election approaching, the use of such tactics could further blur the line between reality and fiction, making it even more challenging for voters to discern the truth.
While Swift has not officially endorsed any candidate this year, her fans have continued to mobilize politically. A group called “Swifties for Kamala” has emerged, rallying support for Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democratic candidates. The group, which has no official ties to Swift, has gained significant traction online, with over 60,000 followers on social media.
The reaction to Trump’s post was swift and intense, with many Swifties expressing their anger and disappointment. Some pointed out that Trump’s actions were not only misleading but also disrespectful to Swift and her fans. Others called for more stringent regulations on the use of AI-generated content, particularly in political campaigns.
As the election draws nearer, the use of AI and other digital tools to manipulate public perception is likely to increase. For now, Trump’s post serves as a reminder of the power and potential pitfalls of technology in shaping political narratives. Swifties, meanwhile, remain steadfast in their support for the values that their idol has championed, and many are using this moment to reaffirm their commitment to social justice and equality.
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