Trump's AI Memes Clash With Reality as Midterms Loom

As President Donald Trump faces stubborn inflation, an ongoing conflict with Iran, and the limits of tariff-driven manufacturing revival, his social media feeds tell a different story. Over the Labor Day weekend, Trump and the White House shared a barrage of memes depicting him as a singularly powerful figure, often using artificial intelligence to create fantastical imagery.

One video showed Trump as a superhero using a Green Lantern ring to build a border wall and factories. Another placed him in a hockey uniform, towering over Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. A third depicted him on a warship bombarding an enemy fleet. These posts, while dismissed by some as humor, highlight a widening gap between the president's self-presentation and the public's lived experience.

With midterm elections approaching, the stakes are high for congressional Republicans who have aligned themselves with Trump. A recent poll found only 33% of U.S. adults approve of his job performance, and many are unhappy with his handling of the economy and the Iran war. Republican strategist Kevin Madden noted that while memes may energize Trump's base, they do little to address the concerns of voters focused on affordability. "The affordability voter is driving this election cycle," Madden said, adding that such voters "are not going to be won over with memes."

The White House has defended the posts, with communications staffer Kaelan Dorr writing, "The memes will continue. The winning will continue." However, critics, including former Biden administration officials, argue the memes distract from real responsibilities. Andrew Bates, a former deputy press secretary, suggested the posts risk angering voters who see Trump as more focused on image than on ending the war or easing gas prices, which average $4.15 a gallon.

Some memes have backfired. In April, Trump posted an image of himself as Jesus, later claiming he thought it depicted a doctor. In February, he deleted a racist video involving the Obamas. Last October, he shared a video of himself in a fighter jet dumping feces on protesters.

Despite the online bravado, approval ratings remain low. Only 15% of U.S. adults strongly approve of Trump's presidency, down from 22% earlier in his term. The memes may rally his core supporters, but they have yet to broaden his appeal.