US President Donald Trump has sparked criticism after posting an AI-generated image of himself as Elvis Presley, the latest in a series of digitally created images shared on his Truth Social platform.
Voters: “Please lower grocery prices like you promised.”
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 1, 2026
Trump: pic.twitter.com/2JlczpCSFG
Over the weekend, Trump published dozens of posts, many featuring AI-generated content. Among them were images depicting Venezuela covered by a US flag and labelled "51st State", as well as another showing Trump's face hovering above Greenland with the caption: "Hello, Greenland!"
The post that generated the strongest reaction, however, was an image portraying Trump as the late King of Rock and Roll.
The AI-generated picture depicts the president wearing an outfit reminiscent of the sequined jumpsuit Elvis Presley wore during the filming of his famous 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" concert special.
Unlike Trump, Elvis actually served our nation with honor, distinction, and rock and roll. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/hjv6htO1ay
— 🦅 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐉. 𝐃𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧 🇺🇸 (@PresidentDylan) August 1, 2026
The image revived a long-running fascination Trump has shown with Presley. Earlier this year, during discussions surrounding the Freedom 250 celebrations at the Great American State Fair, Trump suggested he attracted larger audiences than Elvis at the height of the singer's popularity after numerous performers withdrew from the event.
At the time, Trump described himself as the world's biggest attraction, claiming he could replace absent performers with a speech and rally of his own.
The latest Elvis-themed post quickly provoked criticism across social media.
Some users described the depiction as disrespectful to Presley's legacy, while others accused Trump of using iconic cultural figures to promote his personal image.
One social media user called the image "an insult to all who loved Elvis", while another argued that Trump's presidency had made the United States a subject of ridicule overseas rather than increasing its international standing.
Others contrasted Trump's public image with Presley's military service, while some commentators criticised what they saw as an inflated sense of self-importance reflected in the post.
The reaction follows a pattern that has accompanied several of Trump's previous AI-related social media posts. In recent years he has shared altered images linking himself to figures and characters including Superman, Jedi Knights from Star Wars and other well-known cultural icons.
Many of those posts have attracted criticism from fans and commentators, who argue that the references often misunderstand or contradict the values associated with the original characters.
The latest controversy has also renewed discussion among critics about Trump's continued references to seeking another term in office.
Despite the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution stating that no individual may be elected president more than twice, Trump has repeatedly joked about or alluded to serving again after his current term.
In a recent interview, he said he would "love to be the next guy in office", while also sharing images of himself wearing "Trump 2028" hats.
Source: Euronews
