Trump claims 'I don’t know anything about' AI-generated MAGA images featuring Swifties amid backlash

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Former President Donald Trump found himself in hot water after sharing AI-generated images featuring Taylor Swift fans (or 'Swifties') sporting pro-Trump t-shirts. The posts quickly sparked outrage and ignited discussions about the ethical implications of AI.

The controversy began when Trump posted these doctored images on his Truth Social platform, one of which depicted Taylor Swift in an "Uncle Sam" outfit alongside the caption, "Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump."

Donald Trump's denial and warning about AI dangers

Donald Trump was confronted about the images in a Wednesday, August 21 interview on 'The Evening Edit with Grady Trimble.' When asked if he was concerned that Swift might sue him over the images, Trump did not give a direct response.

"I don’t know anything about them, other than somebody else generated them. I didn’t generate them," he explained. "Somebody came out. They said, oh, look at this. These were all made up by other people."

Trump used the opportunity to touch on the potential dangers of AI, particularly in how it can be used to create convincing yet false representations. He pointed out that AI technology has been used to generate audio clips that mimic his voice.

"AI is always very dangerous in that way. It’s happening with me too," he said. "They’re making — having me speak. I speak perfectly, I mean, absolutely perfectly on AI. And I’m, like, endorsing other products and things. It’s a little bit dangerous out there."

Backlash from Swifties against Donald Trump 

There was a swift backlash from Swifties on social media against Donald Trump after he shared the AI images.

"Lol, Trump posted a collage of AI-generated Taylor Swift fans wearing ‘Swifities for Trump’ T-shirts, and wrote 'I accept!' as if this were real. I mean…..this is uniquely pathetic, even for Trump," one posted on X (formerly Twitter). [sic]

"Trump is so desperate for Taylor Swift to support him that he’s thanking an AI-generated image that he shared. The man is just so pathetic," another wrote.

"This looks like a big, fat, juicy lawsuit for Ms. Swift’s attorneys," a third user added.

"Taylor should just sue him for superimposing her name and false advertising to boot," someone else chimed in.

"Taylor has the right to sue for unauthorized use of their image or likeness, especially if it’s being used to sell or promote a product," read a comment.

"This is great if it causes her to come out and take a clear stand against him," another offered.

Donald Trump faces legal threats over unauthorized use of music in campaigns

Donald Trump has frequently clashed with artists over the unauthorized use of their music in his campaigns. Recently, Beyonce became the latest artist to purportedly consider legal action after the Trump campaign used her song 'Freedom' without permission.

According to Rolling Stone, Beyonce had allowed the song to be used by Kamala Harris' campaign, but not by Trump. A source close to Beyonce told the outlet that a cease-and-desist letter might be forthcoming after Trump’s campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung posted a video featuring the song as the former president deboarded his plane in Michigan.

Meanwhile, the family of soul legend Isaac Hayes announced plans to sue Trump for using the song 'Hold On (I’m Coming)' at his rallies over the past three years.

The family is seeking $150,000 for each unauthorized use of the song, in addition to a public statement clarifying that the estate never authorized or endorsed the use of Hayes’ music.

Over the years, several musicians and bands have objected to their songs being associated with Trump's political campaigns. Some notable names include Bruce Springsteen, Adele, Celine Dion, Elton John, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, the estate of George Harrison, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

 

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