Faux Photograph Reveals Trump in Life Jacket Serving to Storm Victims in Floodwater

A rumor circulating on-line in fall 2024 claimed {that a} photograph confirmed former U.S. President Donald Trump sporting a life jacket and strolling in knee-high floodwater with one other particular person to assist storm victims.

This rumor bore similarities to different previous photos claiming to point out Trump rescuing two cats and a stranded person following Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

For instance, on Sept. 30, 2024, a Fb consumer posted (archived) the image within the days following Hurricane Helene — a storm resulting in nearly 140 known deaths (as of Oct. 1) throughout Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas and Virginia. The consumer’s publish learn, “I do not suppose Fb needs this image on Fb. They’ve been deleting it.” The publish acquired greater than 150,000 shares in simply 16 hours.

One particular person commented beneath the publish, “It did occur in Valdosta, Georgia, at the moment!” One other consumer stated, “He lives and cares for individuals, all individuals!” Another person additionally added, “I believe we should always all repost it!!!!”

Nonetheless, whereas it was true that Trump flew to Valdosta on Sept. 30 (and made false claims in regards to the federal response to Helene), the photograph was faux. Additionally, the thought of Meta’s workers selecting to delete the picture from its platforms — just like earlier claims of about Fb supposedly censoring or eradicating posts about Bible verses, Christian-themed content and Santa Claus — stood as an evidence-free accusation.

As of this writing, it was unclear who created the image. Nonetheless, it was crystal clear that somebody employed an artificial-intelligence device to create the faux picture. Had somebody actually photographed Trump sporting a life jacket and strolling by way of floodwaters, credible information retailers would have reported the matter. None did.

Customers Focus on the Faux Photograph

A commenter beneath the Fb publish requested, “The place is the Secret Service? They only left him alone? That is the work of AI. Trump loves it.”

In the meantime, different customers appropriately identified the discrepancies within the fingers proven within the image, specifically the broken-looking thumb on Trump’s proper hand. As we beforehand reported, odd-looking fingers and fingers are one sign of AI manipulation in pictures.

Word the damaged look of Trump’s thumb within the AI-generated picture.

One consumer commented, “As a Trump supporter, it is okay to acknowledge that this photograph is AI-generated. Sure, he’s serving to with aid efforts in Georgia. No, this photograph isn’t actual. The primary piece of proof that that is faux is President Trump’s proper hand on this image. Everyone knows his fingers do not seem like this. This photograph additionally simply has the final look of AI, which I do know some individuals have hassle recognizing.”

Along with the Fb publish, customers additionally mentioned the faux nature of the photograph on the Reddit subreddit r/BoomersBeingFools, in addition to on Threads and X.

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