Trump Denies Knowledge of AI-Generated Pope Image

Advanced Level | May 8, 2025

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

A Controversial Image Emerges

An AI-generated image portraying President Donald Trump dressed in papal attire surfaced on social media, sparking widespread discussion and criticism. Trump denies the AI-generated pope image after it was initially posted on Trump’s Truth Social account and later shared by the White House, leading to debates about the use of artificial intelligence in political messaging.

Trump’s Response

When questioned about the image, President Trump stated he had no involvement in its creation. He mentioned seeing it for the first time the previous evening and described it as a harmless joke. Trump added that his wife, Melania, found the image amusing. However, some members of the Catholic community expressed offense at the depiction. (reuters.com)

Expert Opinions

Communications experts have raised concerns about the blending of fiction and reality through AI-generated images. John Wihbey of Northeastern University noted that this represents a new fusion of AI and social media for political influence. Critics argue that such imagery can mislead the public and potentially spread disinformation. (reuters.com)

Vocabulary

Depiction (noun): A representation or portrayal of someone or something
Example: The painting is a depiction of the countryside.
Harmless (adjective): Not causing or likely to cause harm
Example: The prank was meant to be harmless fun.
Criticism (noun): The expression of disapproval based on perceived faults or mistakes
Example: The movie received widespread criticism for its plot.
Offense (noun): Annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult
Example: She took offense at his rude remarks.
Disinformation (noun): False information spread deliberately to deceive
Example: The campaign was accused of spreading disinformation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun): The simulation of human intelligence in machines
Example: Various industries are currently using Artificial Intelligence or AI.
Fusion (noun): The process or result of joining two or more things together
Example: The fusion of different musical styles created a unique sound.
Portray (verb): To depict or describe someone or something in a particular way
Example: The actor portrayed the character convincingly.
Imagery (noun): Visually descriptive or figurative language
Example: The poem’s imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Mislead (verb): To cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression
Example: The advertisement will mislead consumers.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What was President Trump’s reaction to the AI-generated image?
How did members of the Catholic community respond to the image?
What concerns do experts have about AI-generated political images?
Why might AI-generated images be considered misleading?
How can the use of AI in political messaging impact public perception?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Should there be regulations on the use of AI in political campaigns? Why or why not?
How can individuals discern between real and AI-generated images?
What are the ethical implications of using AI to create political imagery?
In what ways can AI-generated content influence public opinion?
How can society address the challenges posed by AI in media and politics?

Related Idiom

“Blur the line”
Meaning: To make the difference between two things less clear
Example: The use of AI in creating realistic images can blur the line between reality and fiction.

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📰 This article was inspired by Reuters, May 5, 2025.