Donald Trump appears to have falsely implied he has Taylor Swift's endorsement, posting fake images on social media of the singer and her fans supporting him.
The Republican presidential candidate posted the message "I accept!" alongside the images, which were taken from other social media accounts. Many appear to have been created using artificial intelligence.
The post sparked a backlash among Swift's fans, known as Swifties, who accused Trump of spreading misinformation.
The singer has not endorsed a candidate in the 2024 election but backed the Democrats in 2020 and criticised Trump while he was president.
One of the photos shared by Trump depicted Swift fans wearing t-shirts that read: "Swifties for Trump".
The post appeared to have a label of "satire" with a headline that read: "Swifties turning to Trump after ISIS foiled Taylor Swift concert".
Swift recently cancelled three concerts in Vienna following a possible security threat. Police arrested two people on suspicion of planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State group.
Another re-posted photo mimicked a World War One US army recruiting poster, which replaced Uncle Sam's face with Swift's and read: "Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump".
NBC News reported two of the images Trump re-posted feature real women who are Trump supporters.
Swift supported the Democratic Party in the 2020 election and criticised Trump during the nationwide protests over the police murder of George Floyd.
"After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence?," she posted on Twitter/X. "We will vote you out in November."
Earlier this year, BBC discovered dozens of deepfakes portraying black people supporting Trump. There was no evidence linking the images to Trump's campaign.
Latest Stories
-
I want to focus more on my education – Chidimma Adetshina quits pageantry
46 mins -
Priest replaced after Sabrina Carpenter shoots music video in his church
59 mins -
Duct-taped banana artwork sells for $6.2m in NYC
1 hour -
Arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas commander over alleged war crimes
1 hour -
Actors Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are engaged
1 hour -
Expired rice saga: A ‘best before date’ can be extended – Food and Agriculture Engineer
1 hour -
Why I rejected Range Rover gift from a man – Tiwa Savage
1 hour -
KNUST Engineering College honours Telecel Ghana CEO at Alumni Excellence Awards
2 hours -
Postecoglou backs Bentancur appeal after ‘mistake’
2 hours -
#Manifesto debate: NDC to enact and pass National Climate Law – Prof Klutse
2 hours -
‘Everything a manager could wish for’ – Guardiola signs new deal
2 hours -
TEWU suspends strike after NLC directive, urges swift resolution of grievances
3 hours -
Netflix debuts Grain Media’s explosive film
3 hours -
‘Expired’ rice scandal: FDA is complicit; top officials must be fired – Ablakwa
4 hours -
#TheManifestoDebate: We’ll provide potable water, expand water distribution network – NDC
4 hours