Trump's Misleading Claims about a Photo with E. Jean Carroll

Setting the Record Straight

Donald Trump has made headlines again, this time for asserting that a photograph with writer E. Jean Carroll could have been generated by artificial intelligence. This assertion raises significant questions about the integrity of public statements and the consequences of misinformation.

In this article, I will address the following key points:

• The context in which Trump made his remarks
• The proven authenticity of the photograph
• The implications of misrepresenting established facts

By unpacking these elements, I aim to highlight the importance of verifying claims, especially in sensitive matters involving public figures and serious allegations.

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Myths Addressed

Former President Donald Trump recently made a dubious claim regarding a long-standing photograph featuring him alongside E. Jean Carroll, the author he has been found liable for sexually abusing and defaming. He suggested that the image might be a product of artificial intelligence, despite previously acknowledging its authenticity.

Trump's remarks were made following an appearance in federal appeals court, where he sought a new trial in connection with the civil lawsuit requiring him to pay Carroll $5 million in damages.

“I never met the woman, other than this picture – which could’ve been AI-generated, I don’t know, showed up out of nowhere. But it’s fine, nice picture,” Trump articulated during an extensive tirade against Carroll and other women who have leveled sexual assault accusations against him.

Truth Check

There is absolutely no credibility to Trump's assertion that the photo may be "AI-generated." The image has been circulating publicly since 2019, the same year Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault and shared the photograph with various media outlets. No evidence suggests that the photo is fabricated. Interestingly, Trump himself has previously confirmed its authenticity, labeling it as a trivial moment.

The photograph depicts a group conversation that included Trump, his then-wife Ivana Trump, Carroll, and her then-husband, John Johnson. Carroll has stated that the image was taken at a party she believes occurred in 1987, well before she alleges that Trump assaulted her in the mid-1990s.

There is no reason to doubt the photo's authenticity.

“Given that this image has been circulating for more than five years – when generative AI was still in its most nascent stage – the claim that this is AI-generated is, at best, implausible. In addition, there is nothing in this photo that would suggest that it is AI generated in terms of visual artifacts,” stated Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who specializes in digital forensics.

Farid added: “This seems like a classic example of the Liar’s Dividend, in which the mere existence of deepfakes allows liars to claim anything – regardless of how implausible – is fake.”

Trump's Prior Acknowledgment of the Photo's Authenticity

During a deposition in 2022, Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, asked Trump if he meant to make a truthful statement when he claimed in 2019 that he had never met Carroll.

Trump replied: “It was a true statement when I made it. I think subsequently or at some point they showed a picture on a receiving – I was on a celebrity line for a charity, and I think I was either shaking her hand or her husband’s hand on a receiving line. … I shake a lot of hands with people, but I had no idea who she was.”

In early 2024, Trump made similar statements during a speech in Iowa, downplaying the significance of the photo but confirming it was from an event he attended. Even during his recent comments, right after suggesting the image was possibly “AI-generated,” Trump indicated that it was taken while he was participating in a “celebrity line.”

Carroll mentioned that her interaction with Trump illustrated in the photo lasted about five to six minutes. Regardless of the overall nature or depth of the exchange, it was indeed a genuine encounter captured on film.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What claim did Trump make about the photograph with E. Jean Carroll?

Former President Donald Trump suggested that the photograph featuring him alongside E. Jean Carroll could be AI-generated, despite having previously acknowledged its authenticity. He made this claim during a tirade against Carroll and other women who have accused him of sexual assault.

2. When was the photograph shared publicly?

The photograph has been circulating publicly since 2019, the same year E. Jean Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault and shared the image with various media outlets.

3. How has Trump's view of the photograph changed?

Trump had previously confirmed the photograph's authenticity, stating it was a trivial moment. However, he later suggested it might be AI-generated during recent comments, indicating confusion about its validity.

4. When does Carroll believe the photograph was taken?

Carroll stated that the photograph was taken at a party in 1987, which occurred well before she alleges Trump assaulted her in the mid-1990s.

5. What does digital forensics expert Hany Farid say about the photograph?

Expert Hany Farid indicated that the claim of the photograph being AI-generated is implausible, noting it circulated well before AI technology was advanced enough to create such images. He also highlighted the absence of visual artifacts typical of AI creations in this photo.

6. What is the “Liar’s Dividend” mentioned by Hany Farid?

The term “Liar’s Dividend” refers to how the existence of deepfakes allows individuals to make claims that anything could be fake, regardless of the implausibility of those claims. This concept illustrates how liars might exploit technology to their advantage.

7. How did Trump respond to questions about his prior statements regarding Carroll?

During a deposition in 2022, Trump stated that his claim of never having met Carroll was true at the time, but acknowledged a brief handshake at a charity event. He admitted to shaking hands with many people, implying a lack of familiarity with Carroll.

8. What did Carroll say about her interaction with Trump at the event?

Carroll mentioned that her interaction with Trump, as depicted in the photograph, lasted about five to six minutes, confirming it was a genuine encounter captured on film.

9. How did Trump's comments evolve over time regarding the photograph?

Trump's comments have shifted from outright denial of knowing Carroll to acknowledgment of the photograph from a celebrity line. He downplayed its significance while confirming it was from an event he attended.

10. Is there any evidence suggesting the photo is fabricated?

No evidence has emerged to suggest that the photograph is fabricated or altered. Experts and Carroll both affirm the image's authenticity, with no credibility to Trump's recent AI claims.