Photo of former President Donald Trump after an assassination attempt was generated by artificial intelligence.
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Former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, following an attempted assassination. (AP)
No, this isn’t an AI-generated photo of Trump raising his fist after assassination attempt
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An Associated Press photo that shows former President Donald Trump raising his fist after a July 13 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, doesn’t show him with six fingers. But an altered version of this image does.
Another X post made hours earlier said something similar — but it quickly became clear in the post’s replies that it was intended to troll Trump supporters.
Vucci’s image was authentic and the moment was widely observed. But these posts claiming it wasn’t a real photo include an altered version of the real image as proof.
In the altered image, Trump appears to have six fingers. AI has gotten better at drawing hands but misshapen hands with unusual numbers of digits can still be a clue that an image is fabricated.
In a video posted on The Associated Press’ website, Vucci talked about his experience photographing the rally from his perch in front of the stage. Photos from other photographers immediately after the assassination attempt also show Trump with five fingers.
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We rate claims that seek to discredit the authenticity of Vucci’s image as being AI-generated False.
Our Sources
X post, Aug. 23, 2024
X post, Aug. 22, 2024
The Associated Press, Amid chaos and gunfire, Trump raised his fist and projected a characteristic image of defiance, July 15, 2024
The Atlantic, A Legendary American Photograph, July 14, 2024
CNN, In pictures: Trump injured in assassination attempt, July 13, 2024
The Associated Press, AP photographer at Trump rally describes moment when shots were fired, July 13, 2024
The Associated Press, AP Trump photo garners global attention, July 15, 2024
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No, this isn’t an AI-generated photo of Trump raising his fist after assassination attempt
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