Former President Donald Trump is facing criticism for posting an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself in a military uniform adorned with medals he did not earn. The image, shared on his Truth Social platform, also depicts him standing between AI renditions of historical military figures Gen. George S. Patton and Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
Critics have accused Trump of "stolen valor," a term used to describe individuals who falsely claim military service or achievements. The AI image portrays Trump as a four-star general, a rank he never held. In reality, Patton was a four-star general, and MacArthur achieved the rank of five-star general.
The AI-generated image shows Patton and MacArthur with fewer decorations and a lower rank—each depicted as a two-star general—than Trump. This depiction has been noted as inaccurate given their actual military careers.
Trump has previously shared AI-generated images of himself in various historical and military roles. He has also publicly mused about awarding himself the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor. Trump, who attended a private military academy, did not serve in the armed forces. He received multiple deferments, including four for college and one for bone spurs, to avoid military service during the Vietnam War.
This latest AI image has particularly drawn sharp reactions from critics who view it as an insult to those who have served in the military. Social media posts from critics highlighted the discrepancy between Trump's portrayal and the actual service records of Patton and MacArthur, with some suggesting the historical generals would have disapproved of such a representation.