DeSantis Campaign Utilizes AI-Generated Images to Criticize Trump

The 2024 US Presidential election is becoming more intense, with candidates and their followers now having access to artificial intelligence tools that can create lifelike images and voices. According to Semafor, the DeSantis War Room has released images depicting Donald Trump hugging Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has become a divisive figure among conservatives due to his handling of the COVID-19 crisis. The video clip contrasts Trump’s portrayal as a reality TV personality firing individuals on The Apprentice with his supposed decision not to dismiss the doctor in real life.

Although the video was tagged on Twitter with a warning that three of the stills of Trump embracing Fauci are “AI-generated images,” some people may have believed they were real. DeSantis’ camp didn’t deny they weren’t real photos, but it also didn’t say so outright. Someone familiar with DeSantis’ political campaign told Semafor that the video was a “social media post” and not an ad, though it’s unclear if that’s why the images weren’t clearly labeled as computer generated.

The DeSantis camp isn’t the only group using AI-generated imagery in this election, however. As President Joe Biden officially announced his re-election bid, the Republican National Committee (RNC) released video ads created entirely by artificial intelligence. The video shows Biden and Kamala Harris at a victory party, followed by several domestic and international incidents that the RNC says could happen if they win. Donald Trump, Jr. also reportedly shared a video in which DeSantis’ face and voice switched over an earlier scene from The Office. Meanwhile, former President Trump shared a video mocking DeSantis’ Twitter Spaces with AI voices featuring characters like Adolf Hitler. It’s clear that Americans are going to be bombarded with AI-generated images and sounds in this election, and it’s up to them to figure out what’s real and what’s not.