Trump's Deepfake Controversy: Fake Taylor Swift Endorsement Sparks Outrage

Former President Donald Trump posted a fake social media image showing Taylor Swift endorsing him, sparking backlash over the misuse of AI-generated deepfakes. Swift has historically supported Democratic candidates. The incident highlights growing concerns about misinformation facilitated by artificial intelligence.

Former President Donald Trump has sparked controversy once again by posting a fake social media image of pop superstar Taylor Swift endorsing him for the upcoming November election.

The entry, made on Truth Social, features Swift dressed in patriotic colors with a caption, 'Taylor Swift Wants You To Vote For Donald Trump.' Trump added a comment saying, 'I accept!'

While Swift hasn't endorsed anyone for the 2024 race, she has supported Democratic candidates in the past. A spokesperson for Swift did not respond to requests for comment. Alongside this, Trump also posted images of young women wearing 'Swifties for Trump' shirts and a satirical article labeled 'SATIRE.' Many watchdog groups claim these images to be AI-generated deepfakes, further stoking fears about the dissemination of misinformation.

Swift had recently canceled three shows in Vienna after a foiled attack by an Islamic State-inspired individual. Public Citizen, a consumer group, condemned Trump's actions as another example of AI's power to create misinformation, potentially harming democratic processes.

At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Swift fan Rebecca Goff voiced her disapproval, arguing that Trump's values contradict what Taylor Swift stands for, including the celebration of womanhood.

(With inputs from agencies.)