Politicians are increasingly dismissing inconvenient images and videos as AI-generated fabrications, a trend that digital-forensics experts warn could erode accountability. President Donald Trump this week endorsed the tactic, calling viral footage from the White House “probably AI,” despite aides indicating the clip was authentic. The strategy exemplifies what scholars describe as the “liar’s dividend,” where the mere possibility of synthetic media enables bad actors to deny reality.
Skepticism about AI is already widespread. A 2024 Pew survey found Americans more concerned than excited about AI’s expanding role, and a Quinnipiac poll reported broad worries that political leaders will use the technology to mislead. Experts including UC Berkeley’s Hany Farid and UNSW’s Toby Walsh say the normalization of “blame AI” undermines evidence-based debate. Abroad, Venezuelan officials questioned the authenticity of a U.S. strike video as “likely” AI-made, underscoring how the defense can travel across borders and narratives. The result: a media environment where truths and falsehoods are harder to separate—and deniability becomes a political asset.
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