#FactCheck-AI-Generated Image Falsely Shows Donald Trump Raising Fist During Washington Incident
Executive Summary
A photo of Donald Trump is going viral on social media, showing him raising his fist. Users claim the image was taken during a press event in Washington, when security personnel were escorting him out amid reports of gunfire. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral image is AI-generated and is being shared with misleading claims.
Claim
On April 26, 2026, an X user shared the image with the caption: “Thank You, Lord our God, for protecting our President.” The post suggests that Trump made the gesture during a chaotic evacuation at a Washington event.
Fact Check
Reports confirm that Trump and senior officials were hurried away from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25 after gunshots were reportedly heard from a floor above the ballroom. However, no authentic visuals show Trump raising his fist during the evacuation.
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/14/arts/design/trump-photo-raised-fist.html
- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/11/politics/trump-obama-portrait-white-house
Further analysis of the viral image indicates signs of digital manipulation. Google’s SynthID detection tool flagged the file as containing SynthID—an invisible watermark embedded in content generated using Google’s AI tools.
Additionally, AI detection platform Hive Moderation assessed that the image is likely AI-generated or a deepfake.
Conclusion
The research confirms that the viral image of Donald Trump raising his fist during a Washington incident is not real. It was created using AI and is being circulated with a misleading narrative.
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THREE CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:
India’s Finance Minister, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, with a vision of ‘Make AI for India’ and ‘Make AI work for India, ’ announced during the presentation of Union Budget 2023 that the Indian Government is planning to set up three ‘Centre of Excellence’ for Artificial Intelligence in top Educational Institutions to revolutionise fields such as health, agriculture, etc.
Under the ‘Amirt Kaal,’ i.e., the budget of 2023 is a stepping stone by the government to have a technology-driven knowledge-based economy and the seven priorities that have been set up by the government called ‘Saptarishi’ such as inclusive development, reaching the last mile, infrastructure investment, unleashing potential, green growth, youth power, and financial sector will guide the nation in this endeavor along with leading industry players that will partner in conducting interdisciplinary research, developing cutting edge applications and scalable problem solutions in such areas.
The government has already formed the roadmap for AI in the nation through MeitY, NASSCOM, and DRDO, indicating that the government has already started this AI revolution. For AI-related research and development, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) has already been formed, and biometric identification, facial recognition, criminal investigation, crowd and traffic management, agriculture, healthcare, education, and other applications of AI are currently being used.
Even a task force on artificial intelligence (AI) was established on August 24, 2017. The government had promised to set up Centers of Excellence (CoEs) for research, education, and skill development in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), digital manufacturing, big data analytics, quantum communication, and the Internet of Things (IoT) and by announcing the same in the current Union budget has planned to fulfill the same.
The government has also announced the development of 100 labs in engineering institutions for developing applications using 5G services that will collaborate with various authorities, regulators, banks, and other businesses.
Developing such labs aims to create new business models and employment opportunities. Among others, it will also create smart classrooms, precision farming, intelligent transport systems, and healthcare applications, as well as new pedagogy, curriculum, continual professional development dipstick survey, and ICT implementation will be introduced for training the teachers.
POSSIBLE ROLES OF AI:
The use of AI in top educational institutions will help students to learn at their own pace, using AI algorithms providing customised feedback and recommendations based on their performance, as it can also help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to focus their study efforts more effectively and efficiently and will help train students in AI and make the country future-ready.
The main area of AI in healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities would be researching and developing practical AI applications in these sectors. In healthcare, AI can be effective by helping medical professionals diagnose diseases faster and more accurately by analysing medical images and patient data. It can also be used to identify the most effective treatments for specific patients based on their genetic and medical history.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise the agriculture industry by improving yields, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. AI algorithms can collect and analyse data on soil moisture, crop health, and weather patterns to optimise crop management practices, improve yields and the health and well-being of livestock, predict potential health issues, and increase productivity. These algorithms can identify and target weeds and pests, reducing the need for harmful chemicals and increasing sustainability.
ROLE OF AI IN CYBERSPACE:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in cyberspace. AI technology can enhance security in cyberspace, prevent cyber-attacks, detect and respond to security threats, and improve overall cybersecurity. Some of the specific applications of AI in cyberspace include:
- Intrusion Detection: AI-powered systems can analyse large amounts of data and detect signs of potential cyber-attacks.
- Threat Analysis: AI algorithms can help identify patterns of behaviour that may indicate a potential threat and then take appropriate action.
- Fraud Detection: AI can identify and prevent fraudulent activities, such as identity theft and phishing, by analysing large amounts of data and detecting unusual behaviour patterns.
- Network Security: AI can monitor and secure networks against potential cyber-attacks by detecting and blocking malicious traffic.
- Data Security: AI can be used to protect sensitive data and ensure that it is only accessible to authorised personnel.
CONCLUSION:
Introducing AI in top educational institutions and partnering it with leading industries will prove to be a stepping stone to revolutionise the development of the country, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to play a significant role in the development of a country by improving various sectors and addressing societal challenges. Overall, we hope to see an increase in efficiency and productivity across various industries, leading to increased economic growth and job creation, improved delivery of healthcare services by increasing access to care and, improving patient outcomes, making education more accessible and effective as AI has the potential to improve various sectors of a country and contribute to its overall development and progress. However, it’s important to ensure that AI is developed and used ethically, considering its potential consequences and impact on society.
References:
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Introduction
Pagers were commonly utilized in the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially in fields that needed fast, reliable communication and swift alerts and information sharing. Pagers typically offer a broader coverage range, particularly in remote areas with limited cellular signals, which enhances their dependability. They are simple electronic devices with minimal features, making them easy to use and less prone to technical issues. The decline in their use has been caused by the rise of mobile phones and their extensive features, offering more advanced communication options like voice calls, text messages, and internet access. Despite this, pagers are still used in some specific industries.
A shocking incident occurred on 17th September 2014, where thousands of pager devices exploded within seconds across Lebanon in a synchronized attack, targeting the US-designated terror group Hezbollah. The explosions killed at least 9 and injured over 2,800 individuals in the country that has been caught up in the Israel-Palestine tensions in its backyard.
The Pager Bombs Incident
On Tuesday, 17th September 2024, hundreds of pagers carried by Hezbollah members in Lebanon exploded in an unprecedented attack, surpassing a series of covert assassinations and cyber-attacks in the region over recent years. The Iran-backed militant group claimed the wireless devices began to explode around 3:30 p.m., local time, in a targeted attack on Hezbollah operatives. The pagers that exploded were new and had been purchased by Hezbollah in recent months. Experts say the explosions underscore Hezbollah's vulnerability as its communication network was compromised to deadly effect. Several areas of the country were affected, particularly Beirut's southern suburbs, a populous area that is a known Hezbollah stronghold. At least 9 people were killed, including a child, and about 2,800 people were wounded, overwhelming Lebanese hospitals.
Second Wave of Attack
As per the most recent reports, the next day, following the pager bombing incident, a second wave of blasts hit Beirut and multiple parts of Lebanon. Certain wireless devices such as walkie-talkies, solar equipment, and car batteries exploded, resulting in at least 9 people killed and 300 injured, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The attack is said to have embarrassed Hezbollah, incapacitated many of its members, and raised fears about a greater escalation of hostilities between the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group and Israel.
A New Kind of Threat - ‘Cyber-Physical’ Attacks
The incident raises serious concerns about physical tampering with daily-use electronic devices and the possibility of triggering a new age of warfare. This highlights the serious physical threat posed, wherein even devices such as smartwatches, earbuds, and pacemakers could be vulnerable to physical tampering if an attacker gains physical access to them. We are potentially looking at a new age of ‘cyber-physical’ threats where the boundaries between the digital and the physical are blurring rapidly. It raises questions about unauthorised access and manipulation targeting the physical security of such electronic devices. There is a cause for concern regarding the global supply chain across sectors, if even seemingly-innocuous devices can be weaponised to such devastating effect. Such kinds of attacks are capable of causing significant disruption and casualties, as demonstrated by pager bombings in Lebanon, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. It also raises questions on the regulatory mechanism and oversights checks at every stage of the electronic device lifecycle, from component manufacturing to the final assembly and shipment or supply. This is a grave issue because embedding explosives and doing malicious modifications by adversaries can turn such electronic devices into weapons.
CyberPeace Outlook
The pager bombing attack demonstrates a new era of threats in warfare tactics, revealing the advanced coordination and technical capabilities of adversaries where they have weaponised the daily use of electronic devices. They have targeted the hardware security of electronic devices, presenting a serious new threat to hardware security. The threat is grave, and has understandably raised widespread apprehension globally. Such kind of gross weaponisation of daily-use devices, specially in the conflict context, also triggers concerns about the violation of International Humanitarian Law principles. It also raises serious questions on the liabilities of companies, suppliers and manufacturers of such devices, who are subject to regulatory checks and ensuring the authenticity of their products.
The incident highlights the need for a more robust regulatory landscape, with stricter supply chain regulations as we adjust to the realities of a possible new era of weaponisation and conflict expression. CyberPeace recommends the incorporation of stringent tracking and vetting processes in product supply chains, along with the strengthening of international cooperation mechanisms to ensure compliance with protocols regarding the responsible use of technology. These will go a long way towards establishing peace in the global cyberspace and restore trust and safety with regards to everyday technologies.
References:
1. https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/what-is-a-pager-9573113/
5. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/18/hezbollah-pager-explosion-lebanon-israel-gold-apollo
On the occasion of 20th edition of Safer Internet Day 2023, CyberPeace in collaboration with UNICEF, DELNET, NCERT, and The National Book Trust (NBT), India, took steps towards safer cyberspace by launching iSafe Multimedia Resources, CyberPeace TV, and CyberPeace Café in an event held today in Delhi.
CyberPeace also showcased its efforts, in partnership with UNICEF, to create a secure and peaceful online world through its Project iSafe, which aims to bridge the knowledge gap between emerging advancements in cybersecurity and first responders. Through Project iSafe, CyberPeace has successfully raised awareness among law enforcement agencies, education departments, and frontline workers across various fields. The event marked a significant milestone in the efforts of the foundation to create a secure and peaceful online environment for everyone.
Launching the Cyberpeace TV, café and isafe material , National Cybersecurity coordinator of Govt of India, Lt Gen Rajesh Pant interacts with the students by introducing them with the theme of this safer internet day. He launched the coword cyber challenge initiative by the countries. Content is most important in cyberspace. He also assured everyone that the government of India is taking a lot of steps at national level to make cyber space safer. He compliments CPF for their initiatives.
Ms. Zafrin Chaudhry, Chief of Communication, UNICEF addresses students with the facts that children make out 1 out of 3 in cyberspace, so they should have a safe cyberspace. They should be informed and equipped with all the information on how to deal with any kind of issues they face in cyberspace. They should share their experience with everyone to make others aware. UNICEF in partnership with CPF is extending help to children to equip them with the help and information.
Major Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President of CPF welcomed all and introduced us about the launching of iSafe Multimedia Resources, CyberPeace TV, and CyberPeace Café . With this launch he threw some light on upcoming plans like launching a learning module of metaverse with AR and VR. He wants to make cyberspace safe even in tier 3 cities that’s why he established the first cybercafé in Ranchi.
As the internet plays a crucial role in our lives, CyberPeace has taken action to combat potential cyber threats. They introduced CyberPeace TV, the world’s first multilingual TV Channel on Jio TV focusing on Education and Entertainment, a comprehensive online platform that provides the latest in cybersecurity news, expert analysis, and a community for all stakeholders in the field. CyberPeace also launched its first CyberPeace Café for creators and innovators and released the iSafe Multimedia resource containing Flyers, Posters, E hand book and handbook on digital safety for children developed jointly by CyberPeace, UNICEF and NCERT for the public.
O.P. Singh, Former DGP, UP Police & CEO Kailash Satyarthi foundation, , started with the data of internet users in India. The Internet is used in day-to -day activities nowadays and primarily in social media. Students should have a channelized approach to cyberspace like fixed screen time, information to the right content, and usage of the internet. I really appreciate the initiates that CyberPeace is taking in this direction.
The celebration continued by iSafe Panel Discussion on “Creating Safer Cyberspace for Children.” The discussion was moderated by Dr. Sangeeta Kaul, Director of DELNET, and was attended by panellists Mr. Rakesh Maheshwari from MeitY(Ministry of electronics and information Technology, Govt. of India), Dr. Indu Kumar from CIET-NCERT, Ms. Bindu Sharma from ICMEC, and Major Vineet Kumar from CyberPeace.
The event was also graced by professional artists from the National School of Drama, who performed Nukkad Natak and Qawwali based on cyber security themes. Students from SRDAV school also entertained the audience with their performances. The attendees were also given a platform to share their experiences with online security issues, and ICT Awardees, Parents and iSafe Champions shared their insights with the guests. The event also had stalls by CyberPeace Corps, a Global volunteer initiative, and CIET-NCERT for students to explore and join the cause. The event’s highlight was the 360 Selfie Booth, where attendees lined up to have their turn.
