Chris Garten slammed after sharing AI images of himself attacking Santa

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: Republican Indiana State Senator Chris Garten has sparked widespread backlash on Christmas Day after sharing an AI-generated image of himself physically attacking Santa Claus in front of the Capitol Building.

Critics on X reacted to the post with disbelief and disapproval, with Garten defending the post as humorous.

Chris Garten's bizarre Christmas Day post

On Thursday, December 25, Garten raised eyebrows after posting images of himself beating up Santa Claus, which did not go well with his followers.

“When you find out the North Pole is trying to bring more bureaucratic overreach & unfunded mandates down the chimney disguised as “Christmas cheer.” Not on my watch,” the Republican posted on his X account Thursday morning.

“We The People run Indiana, not the bureaucrats,” he added. “Take it back to the North Pole big guy.”

He ended the caption with, “Merry Christmas, Hoosiers!” accompanied by the emojis of the US flag and Santa Claus.

In one of the images, Garten can be seen kicking Santa down the steps of the state capitol building, while in another image, he hoisted his fist above St. Nick’s head as he was pinned to the ground.

Netizens slam Chris Garten's post

The comments underneath the post were overwhelmingly disapproving.

“This may be the most pitiful thing I’ve seen this Xmas. Congratulations,” one person reacted on X.

“Ah, yes, the left is the party of violence. *body slams Santa Claus*,” said another.

“What on earth would compel a person to post images of them beating up a universally beloved figure?” someone else chimed in.

“So warming to see the symbol of Christmas generosity and cheer get beaten to a bloody pulp!” another person wrote.

“This doesn’t even make sense, especially considering MAGA’s whole schick is claiming they’re “saving Christmas from the left,” wrote a user.

One joked, “Very normal post, sir!”

“Are you okay?” another user asked.

A user asked, “Were you high when you did this?”

Chris Garten dismisses the backlash

“With everything going on in the world, I struggle to understand why my evidently humorous post is considered news,” Garten told The Independent.

“The fake outrage online is a stark reminder of how overly sensitive society has become, and maybe some self-reflection is in order,” he added.

A few hours later, in a follow-up message, he labeled his critics “snowflakes,” acknowledging the backlash.

“Lots of intolerance, swearing, and outrage on display over a few AI pics I had a blast designing with my kids,” Garten said.

“Some of you clowns are just insufferable. Hopefully your negativity stays in the comments and not directed at your families. Merry Christmas, snowflakes!” he added.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.