The claim that an image shows former President Donald Trump raising his fist similar to a photo of Adolf Hitler has been debunked. The image of Hitler was digitally altered to resemble Trump, according to an expert analysis. The original picture of Hitler showed him facing the opposite way and without a flag or people next to him.
James O’Brien, a computer science professor at the University of California, Berkeley, used “error-level analysis” to compare JPEG artifacts in the image, revealing inconsistencies in the people and flag in the background. He pointed out that the flag’s shade pattern appeared unnatural, indicating it was likely a computer-generated rendering. The colors of the people and flag did not match the rest of the photo, suggesting they were added using Photoshop or a similar tool.
Upon close inspection, it was evident that the image’s creator had manipulated the saturation and added film grain and noise to make the altered parts look like old images. Despite reaching out to the user who shared the post for comment, USA TODAY did not receive a response. Lead Stories also debunked the claim.
The original image of Trump in the post was taken moments after he was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania, while the altered Hitler image was from a 1930s speech. The debunked claim spread on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and received over 300 shares in less than three weeks.
It is essential to fact-check and verify information before sharing it to prevent the spread of misinformation. The use of digital manipulation to create false narratives can have serious consequences and mislead the public. By analyzing images and consulting experts, false claims can be exposed and debunked, ensuring accuracy and truth in reporting.
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