ChatGPT’s Ghibli filter is political now — but it always was

On Thursday, the White House's social media account posted a controversial image involving a crying detainee, claimed to be an arrested fentanyl trafficker and undocumented immigrant. The image, suspected to be AI-generated with a Ghibli-style filter, attracted criticism for its perceived insensitivity and for being used as a tool of performative sadism. The post, appearing to promote AI tools like ChatGPT, highlights the intersection of politics and technology, raising questions about the ethical use of AI-generated content in public discourse.
The incident underscores the growing influence of AI in media and the complexities surrounding its usage, particularly when tied to political narratives. The White House's use of AI-generated images reflects broader trends of leveraging technology for political messaging, despite its potential to undermine artistic integrity and ethical standards. The case also points to the relationship between AI companies and political figures, with concerns over the alignment of tech advancements with political agendas. The broader implications suggest a need for clearer ethical guidelines and more conscientious partnerships between tech developers and creators.
RATING
The article provides a critical examination of the intersection between AI-generated art and political messaging, focusing on ethical concerns and potential misuse. While it addresses timely and relevant issues, the lack of source attribution and transparency weakens its factual accuracy and credibility. The narrative is engaging and likely to provoke discussion, but it leans heavily towards a negative perspective without offering balanced viewpoints or substantial evidence. The story's readability and timeliness contribute to its appeal, but its potential impact is limited by the absence of authoritative sources and detailed verification of claims. Overall, the article serves as a starting point for discussions on AI ethics but requires further substantiation to effectively inform and influence public opinion.
RATING DETAILS
The story makes several factual claims that are partially verifiable. It accurately discusses OpenAI's image generator's ability to produce images in the style of Studio Ghibli, a feature that has been widely reported. However, the article's claim about the White House using an AI-generated image to depict a detained immigrant is not fully substantiated within the text. There are assertions about political implications and ethical issues surrounding AI-generated art, which are generally supported by broader discussions in the media, but specific details such as the exact AI tool used by the White House or confirmations from involved parties are missing. The article also references Hayao Miyazaki's well-documented criticism of AI art, which is accurate and supported by his past statements.
The article presents a predominantly critical viewpoint on the use of AI-generated images, particularly in the context of political messaging. It highlights the ethical concerns and potential misuse by political entities but does not offer substantial counterarguments or perspectives from those who might support the use of AI in art or politics. The narrative is skewed towards highlighting negative aspects, such as the disregard for artists' rights and the potential for AI misuse, without exploring potential benefits or alternative viewpoints.
The article is relatively clear in its language and structure, though it occasionally veers into opinionated territory, which can cloud the factual reporting. It presents a coherent narrative about the intersection of AI, politics, and art, but the tone can be somewhat sensationalist, potentially affecting the reader's perception of neutrality. While the main points are understandable, the lack of clear evidence or attribution can lead to confusion about the veracity of certain claims.
The article lacks direct attribution to credible sources or expert opinions that could substantiate its claims. While it references well-known figures like Hayao Miyazaki and mentions OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman, it does not include direct quotes or statements from these individuals or other authoritative sources. The absence of named sources or documented evidence weakens the reliability of the information presented.
The article does not provide sufficient transparency regarding its sources or the methodology behind its claims. There is no clear disclosure of how the information was obtained, nor does it explain the context or background of specific assertions, such as the alleged White House use of AI-generated images. The lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to assess the credibility of the claims or understand the basis for the article's conclusions.
Sources
- https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/03/28/chatgpts-viral-studio-ghibli-style-images-an-insult-to-life-itself
- https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/i-refuse-to-jump-on-chatgpts-studio-ghibli-image-generator-bandwagon-because-it-goes-against-everything-i-love-about-those-movies
- https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-studio-ghibli-style-images-violate-copyright-or-not-2025-3
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/are-chatgpt-style-ghibli-portraits-bad-for-us/articleshow/119590986.cms
- https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/studio-ghibli-chatgpt-openai-hayao-miyazaki-trend-copyright-b2723114.html
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

OpenAI is reportedly developing its own X-like social media platform
Score 5.0
OpenAI launches a pair of AI reasoning models, o3 and o4-mini
Score 7.0
ChatGPT now has a section for your AI-generated images
Score 7.0
OpenAI reportedly working on X-like social media network
Score 6.2