The political landscape in the United States has taken a bold turn, with the Trump administration leading the charge in a controversial new era of communication dubbed “slopaganda.” This term, coined by academics, describes the blend of AI-generated imagery and political messaging that has transformed the way information is disseminated. From outrageous memes to deepfakes, the White House has embraced this avant-garde approach, stirring up both intrigue and outrage.
The Birth of Slopaganda
It all began with a seemingly innocuous post: an AI-generated image of Donald Trump crowned as a king, featured on a parody cover of Time magazine. This image, shared on the White House’s official X account, marked a pivotal moment in the political meme landscape, signalling a shift from niche online forums to the mainstream. The post coincided with Trump’s announcement to repeal New York City’s congestion pricing, prompting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to respond vehemently at a press conference: “New York hasn’t laboured under a king in over 250 years. We sure as hell are not going to start now.” The bold move set the tone for a barrage of similar posts that would follow.
AI and the Art of Political Trolling
The Trump administration has harnessed AI not just for policy promotion but as a tool for what can only be described as institutional trolling. This unfiltered approach to communication has raised eyebrows, as it merges crude internet humour with serious political discourse. For instance, an AI-generated video posted by Trump depicted him as a president-king, complete with a crown, jet-fighter scenes, and a questionable sense of decorum. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the post, asserting that Trump’s social media prowess is unparalleled, stating, “He is using satire to make a point.”
In March 2025, the White House adopted a popular meme format inspired by Studio Ghibli, translating a poignant image of a woman being detained by ICE into an anime style. This clever adaptation showcased the administration’s keen awareness of contemporary online culture, leading to criticism about the appropriateness and sensitivity of the content.
Controversy Breeds Engagement
Throughout this slopaganda saga, the White House has become adept at provoking outrage while simultaneously galvanising support among its base. One instance that drew significant backlash involved an AI-generated image of Trump as Pope, which sparked outrage from Catholic leaders. The New York State Catholic Conference expressed their disapproval, stating, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image.” In a press conference, Trump dismissed the criticism, quipping, “They can’t take a joke?” This incident illustrates how the administration consistently walks the fine line between humor and insensitivity, often to the delight of its supporters.
Another striking example of this trend occurred on May 4, 2025, when the White House shared an image of Trump as a muscular Jedi, complete with a lightsaber. The post, which boldly claimed the administration as the Rebellion, was met with mixed reactions, reflecting the ongoing tension between political rhetoric and popular culture.
Targeting Political Opponents
The trolling didn’t stop with self-referential humour; the administration also took aim at political opponents. In October 2025, an AI-created image featuring Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer in sombreros and holding tacos provoked accusations of racism. This was part of a broader trend that included the posting of a deepfake video that drew condemnation for its insensitivity. Critics argue that these efforts are designed not just to entertain but to discredit and undermine opponents, illustrating the darker side of slopaganda.
Why it Matters
The Trump administration’s foray into AI-driven political imagery represents a seismic shift in how political communication is conducted in the digital age. By utilising slopaganda, the White House not only pushes the boundaries of acceptable discourse but also challenges the public’s perception of truth and information integrity. This method of engagement is not merely about humour; it serves as a potent tool for mobilising supporters while discrediting opponents. As we navigate this new era of political engagement, the implications for democracy, media literacy, and public discourse are profound and far-reaching.
