AI-generated Trump portraits in Studio Ghibli style spark artistic controversy

The AI-generated “Studio Ghibli-style” Trump portraits are the latest example of how OpenAI‘s new image generation capabilities are rapidly inspiring creative and controversial applications. The trend highlights ongoing tensions between AI developers, traditional artists, and public figures as generated content increasingly blurs stylistic boundaries. This collision of cutting-edge AI technology with beloved artistic styles raises important questions about creative attribution, consent, and the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human artistic expression.

Why it matters: OpenAI’s most advanced image generator, built into GPT-4o, has demonstrated surprising visual fluency in replicating Studio Ghibli’s distinctive anime style, prompting users to reimagine political figures like President Trump in this aesthetic.

• The trend touches on ongoing tensions between AI development and traditional art, with Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayo Mizayaki previously expressing disgust toward AI-generated animation.
• The phenomenon represents another instance where AI-generated content involving public figures raises questions about consent and representation.

The big picture: Social media users have quickly adopted the AI tool to transform various subjects into Studio Ghibli-style artwork, including famous film scenes, personal photos, and notably, images of political figures.

• Some users have even applied the style to sensitive political imagery, including the photograph of Trump after the July 2024 assassination attempt at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally.
• This follows a pattern of AI-generated political imagery becoming viral content, potentially raising concerns about how political figures are depicted without their permission.

What they’re saying: Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayo Mizayaki has previously voiced strong opposition to AI-generated animation.

• “I am utterly disgusted,” Mizayaki stated after viewing an AI animation demo in 2016.
• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the unexpected popularization of the Ghibli-style generation in a post viewed 2.7 million times, humorously noting the contrast between his decade-long work toward advanced AI and its viral application for stylized portraits.

Key context: Studio Ghibli has established itself as an animation powerhouse over its 40-year history, known for acclaimed films including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.

• The distinctive artistic style of Studio Ghibli has become culturally iconic and immediately recognizable, making it a compelling target for AI replication.
• Newsweek has reached out to Studio Ghibli for comment on this AI trend that appropriates their visual aesthetic.

What’s next: The spread of AI-generated images featuring Trump in Studio Ghibli style may prompt objections similar to his previous requests to remove artwork, such as a painting in Colorado.

• The viral phenomenon illustrates how rapidly new AI capabilities can be adopted and repurposed in ways their creators might not have anticipated.
• The trend spotlights ongoing questions about the boundaries of AI-generated content involving real public figures and established artistic styles.