Trump's red lightsaber in White House Star Wars post ignites AI image controversy
A White House social media post for Star Wars Day featuring an AI-generated image of President Trump holding a red lightsaber has stirred online debate and reignited concerns about the administration's use of provocative digital content.
The image, posted on May 4 — known as 'May the 4th' — depicted a muscular Trump flanked by bald eagles and wielding a red saber, traditionally associated with villains in the Star Wars universe. While some supporters defended the image, noting red aligns with Republican branding, others criticized the post as tone-deaf or symbolically aligning Trump with the Sith, a group known in the franchise for embracing authoritarianism.
Happy May the 4th to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics who are fighting so hard to to bring Sith Lords, Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, & well known MS-13 Gang Members, back into our Galaxy. You're not the Rebellion—you're the Empire.
May the 4th be with you. pic.twitter.com/G883DhDRR5 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 4, 2025
The post's caption, which lumped Trump's political opponents with 'Sith Lords, Murderers, Drug Lords,' and MS-13 gang members, added fuel to the fire. It framed the opposition as the "Empire," while Trump supporters were likened to the "Rebellion"—a role reversal not lost on many fans.
Critics also questioned whether the image's lightsaber color was chosen intentionally or simply a result of AI automation. This comes amid a broader shift in White House communications, which now frequently feature meme-heavy, AI-enhanced images and hyperbolic messaging meant to energize Trump's base.
may the 4th be with you pic.twitter.com/KLr5QsCic1 — LiterallyMeCats (@literallymecats) May 4, 2025
ignoring the fact that this is like the 15th shitty ai trump image they've posted, they do know what a red lightsaber means, right? https://t.co/DGVp4XZmfe — aura (thank you mr. toriyama) (@turnoffyouraura) May 4, 2025
Makes sense that he has a red light saber. pic.twitter.com/3Gcgr2z0f1 — Matt (Taylor's Version) (@MattMMPLS) May 4, 2025
Adding to the controversy, this was the second AI-generated Trump image shared within days, following a now-viral post showing Trump in papal attire.
The trend points to a significant departure from traditional government messaging and a growing reliance on spectacle-driven digital engagement.
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