A holiday greeting from a prominent U.S. official has sparked criticism and accusations of inauthenticity online. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shared a digitally altered image on social media this Thanksgiving.
The post featured a modified version of a widely circulated photograph from late 2024. The original image showed Kennedy aboard a private aircraft with several high-profile figures, consuming a meal from the fast-food chain McDonald’s. In the new version, the fast food items were replaced with a traditional Thanksgiving feast, including turkey, side dishes, and pie.
The altered picture was not well-received by all. Critics quickly pointed out its artificial nature, with some questioning why such content was being promoted. The AI chatbot on the platform where it was posted acknowledged the image appeared to be computer-generated and lacked verification from reliable sources.
Reactions ranged from disappointment to sarcasm. One commenter lamented a lack of authenticity, while another referenced Kennedy’s past critical statements about fast food. The post also attracted a response from a controversial figure known for involvement in past political unrest, who simply stated, “Everything is fake.”
The incident highlights ongoing debates about the use of AI-generated imagery by public figures and the public’s scrutiny of authenticity in political communication.
