DeSantis Caught Using AI-Faked Photos in Trump Smear Campaign

• Pro-Bitcoin presidential candidate Ron DeSantis was tagged on Twitter for using AI-generated images in a campaign smearing former President Donald Trump.
• The images used depicted Trump cuddling up and kissing Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to Trump during his presidency.
• Twitter’s Community Notes feature labeled the images as AI-generated and news agency Agence France-Presse said they had “the hallmarks of AI-generated imagery.”

Pro-Bitcoin Presidential Candidate Tagged Over Fake Images

Pro-Bitcoin (BTC) presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has been tagged for apparently using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images in an ad campaign smearing rival and former president Donald Trump. On June 5, DeSantis’ campaign tweeted a video purporting to show Trump’s close support of Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to Trump when he was president of the United States.

Twitter’s Disinformation Alert Feature

The video featured a collage of real images depicting Trump and Fauci mixed in with what appeared to be AI-generated images of the pair hugging with some depicting Trump appearing to kiss Fauci. Twitter’s Community Notes feature — the platform’s community-driven misinformation-dispelling project — added a disclaimer to the tweet saying it contained “AI generated images.” News agency Agence France Presse (AFP) Fact Check said the images had “the hallmarks of AI generated imagery.”

DeSantis vs. Trump for GOP Nomination

DeSantis and Trump are facing off to take the Republican nominee for president. DeSantis kicked off his bid last month in a Twitter Space and promised to “protect” Bitcoin. Current polling has him trailing behind Trump at this stage.

Trump Campaign Also Guilty Of Using AI To Smear Desanteis

Shortly after DeSantis announced his presidential bid, Trump posted a video mocking DeSantis’ Twitter announcement, using deepfaked audio featuring likenesses of both men, Elon Musk, George Soros, Adolf Hitler, Satan, and himself.

Rise In Use Of AI Generated Deep Fakes In Political Ads

It comes amid a rise in AI generated deep fakes being used in political ads or movements in recent months. The use of such fake media can have serious implications for how we view political campaigns now and into the future as technology advances further still.