Trump posts heavily edited AI photo of Xi meeting, removing first ladies
The image excludes Melania Trump and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan but apparently includes an aide, sparking questions about the photo's creation.
What to know
- Trump posted an AI-generated image of his meeting with Xi Jinping that differs significantly from actual event footage, with both first ladies removed or obscured.
- The edited photo contains multiple anomalies: altered facial expressions, changed clothing details, and digitally warped military elements.
- Uncertainty remains about the identity and actual attendance of a blonde woman visible in the image, with speculation about whether it was aide Natalie Harp.
Donald Trump U.S. President
Xi Jinping Chinese President
Melania Trump First LadyNatalie Harp Trump's assistant
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts
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Identity of woman remaining in edited image uncertain; widespread speculation emerges
Despite removing both first ladies, the image appears to include a blonde woman in the background. One version of the article identifies her as Monica Crowley, the U.S. chief of protocol, though there was widespread speculation the woman was Trump's ever-present assistant Natalie Harp. It remains unclear whether Harp was actually in attendance at Xi's arrival.
“In reality, Trump did not remain steely throughout the military flyover, but winced in pain at the loud noise from the B-1 heavy bomber overhead.”
— New Republic, News outlet · source -
background
New Republic identifies discrepancies between AI image and actual event footage — Analysis reveals the photo contains other notable alterations: Trump did not remain steely during the military flyover but winced at the loud B-1 bomber noise, wore a winter coat and black gloves despite temperate weather, and appears in the image wearing only one glove. The military display appears digitally warped into alien-like figures.
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background
Trump posts AI-generated image of Xi meeting to Truth Social — Trump shared an apparently AI-generated photograph on Truth Social showing himself saluting beside Xi on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews with a military jet overhead. Compared to actual video footage, the image shows significant alterations: the two first ladies are either completely removed or obscured, Trump appears to wear only one glove despite wearing two in reality, his facial expression differs from the actual event where he winced at the noise, and the military display behind them appears morphed into strange figures.
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background
Trump hosts Xi Jinping arrival at Joint Base Andrews — President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping appear together on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan, with a military flyover occurring during the event.
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first by New Republic, 5d ago
1 more headline
- Trump Edits Melania Out of Weird AI Photo—but Leaves in an Aide New Republic · 5d ago