On Tuesday, President Donald Trump stirred controversy by sharing an AI-generated image on Truth Social, depicting him meeting with several European leaders in the Oval Office.
The image shows the White House occupant alongside a modified map of North America and the Caribbean, where Canada, Greenland, Cuba, and Venezuela are draped in the American flag.
The photo swiftly went viral across social media platforms, capturing Trump seated at his desk with animated gestures, seemingly explaining his point to the attentive European leaders.
Behind him, the map reveals an altered version of the Americas, with the aforementioned countries marked by "Old Glory," the affectionate nickname for the American flag, as part of the United States' domain.
This detail raised alarms in Europe, where numerous outlets labeled the post as a "symbolic provocation," amid diplomatic tensions stemming from Trump's renewed interest in purchasing Greenland.
During his first term, the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland was a source of contention when Trump openly suggested buying it from the Danish government.
Social media users and analysts have interpreted the image as a symbolic statement about Washington's power projection in the Americas.
The inclusion of Greenland and nations like Cuba and Venezuela—currently under U.S. diplomatic scrutiny—has been seen as a political message, a double-edged gesture intended to reaffirm American leadership in the hemisphere while subtly warning European allies about Washington's new geopolitical direction.
Experts agree that Trump aims to project strength and control at a time when the U.S. is taking a central role in Venezuela's transition of power and upholding a pressure-based policy against the dictatorial regimes in Cuba and Nicaragua.
Key Questions About Trump's AI-Generated Image
Why did Trump create an AI-generated image with European leaders?
The AI-generated image is interpreted as a symbolic statement of U.S. power and influence, possibly serving as a political message to both domestic and international audiences.
What countries are shown in the image under the American flag?
The countries depicted under the American flag in the image include Canada, Greenland, Cuba, and Venezuela.
How did European media react to Trump's image?
European media reacted by labeling the image as a "symbolic provocation," reflecting concerns over diplomatic tensions and geopolitical signals from the U.S.