Welcome to today's podcast where we dive into a thought-provoking article from The New Yorker titled “Trump Is the Emperor of A.I. Slop.” The piece opens by detailing a post from Donald Trump on Truth Social, triumphantly declaring, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD.” This self-congratulatory tone marked by a dramatic A.I. image of Trump embodies his tendency towards literalism and spectacle.

The article likens Trump’s aesthetic to that of an A.I. generator, filled with grandiose imagery—a glimpse into a world defined by empty symbolism. As author Jennifer A. Greenhill observes, Trump’s fan-favorite portraits are “painted memes,” designed for viral consumption. With the rise of A.I., social media is now inundated with partisan images that simplify his identity.

The author points out a metaphorical cake from Trump’s inauguration—a Styrofoam creation that symbolized the hollowness of his presidency. Much like that cake, the digital content Trump shares is superficial and devoid of substance. The piece argues that “everything is style,” emphasizing that he forges a reality shaped entirely around himself.

Lastly, the article highlights how Trump and his followers, influenced by a desire for likeness, conform to his extravagant vision, creating a culture of superficiality and a “reactionary camp.” The audacious assertion concludes that long before A.I. entered mainstream dialogue, Trump was already shaping reality in his own image, proving he was—a self-declared emperor of A.I. slop. Thank you for listening!
Link to Article