White House Leavitt Photo Pulled by AFP, Getty Over Fake Shadow
Source: status.news
- White House press photo of Trump's spokesperson Karoline Leavitt was pulled by AFP and Getty Images after it surfaced online.
- The agencies cited editorial standards violations due to the image being digitally altered with an impossible shadow on Leavitt's blouse.
- This incident highlights rising scrutiny on AI-generated or manipulated images in political communications.
A White House-provided photo of incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaking at a Trump transition event was distributed by AFP and Getty Images but quickly withdrawn. The agencies flagged it for digital manipulation after spotting an unnatural shadow that physics experts said couldn't exist under real lighting. It underscores concerns over authenticity in official imagery as the Trump administration prepares to take office, potentially eroding trust in government visuals.