Amid escalating tensions between China and the US, Chinese social media platforms are sharing AI-generated satirical images targeting prominent American political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. These digitally manipulated visuals blend humour and political criticism, highlighting the evolving role of AI in online political discourse.
In the midst of ongoing tensions and emerging hostilities between China and the United States, Chinese social media platforms have become a stage for satirical and provocative AI-generated images targeting prominent figures in the US administration. Among the most notable is a striking depiction featuring former President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance, created by artificial intelligence and widely shared in China.
The image, described by the Daily Star, depicts Trump in an uncharacteristically intimate and unconventional setting—a pink, plush room with a pink bed—where he is shown applying mascara to JD Vance. Vance, who has been dubbed "the eyeliner man" on Chinese social media, is portrayed with his arm draped across Trump's bare leg, highlighting an informal and vividly colourful portrayal that contrasts sharply with traditional political imagery. The depiction explicitly plays on Vance's public image, notably his "smokey-eyed look," which has attracted considerable attention from Chinese internet users.
This AI creation is part of a broader trend of digitally manipulated images circulating online, aiming to ridicule the Trump administration and its members. Chinese social media users have been particularly focused on Vance, circulating various depictions of him wearing thick black eyeliner or in drag, and often tying these portrayals to criticisms of US trade policies and tariffs. For instance, one AI-generated video mocks Vance with the phrase, “Sister, hillbilly eyeliner. Made in China, reliable quality.” Another video critiques Vance’s remarks about “Chinese peasants,” wryly suggesting that his trade policies would lead to "soaring price of your eyeliner."
Other popular images present JD Vance before the American flag, applying smokey eye makeup emblazoned with a "made in China" stamp, and grinning as he gives a thumbs-up. Meanwhile, Trump has received the nickname "Chairman Trump" on social media, with some images ironically portraying him, Vance, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk as Chinese peasants working in fields harvesting tomatoes.
These visual satires reflect the increasing use of AI technology in sharpening criticism through humour and surreal depictions amid the escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The Daily Star reports that this form of online mockery is emblematic of a growing digital culture in China that leverages artificial intelligence to lampoon and undermine US political figures during this period of strained international relations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references JD Vance as US Vice President and Donald Trump as former President, both current and accurate as of early 2025, indicating freshness. The content does not reuse older press releases or outdated material but discusses a recent digital culture phenomenon amid ongoing US-China tensions.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Several direct phrases from Chinese social media and the Daily Star are quoted, such as “Sister, hillbilly eyeliner. Made in China, reliable quality.” and the 'Chairman Trump' nickname. These quotes appear to originate from recent online discourse and the Daily Star report but no earlier or original source could be definitively identified, suggesting the quotes are likely newly surfaced or specific to recent social media trends.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative relies heavily on the Daily Star, which is generally regarded as a tabloid with a variable track record on reliability. The depiction of Chinese social media trends would be difficult to verify independently given language and platform differences. No citations from more authoritative or globally recognised outlets were noted, lowering certainty.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
It is plausible that AI-generated satire and provocative images are circulating online amid US-China tensions, especially focusing on visible political figures like Trump and Vance. The trend aligns with recent developments in AI image generation and increasing use of digital satire. The characterisation of Vance and Trump fits recent public images and political context. Lack of direct verification of Chinese social media posts does not undermine plausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is timely and plausible, reflecting a real recent phenomenon of AI-generated political satire in Chinese social media amid US-China tensions. While quotes are original and fresh, the reliance on a tabloid source slightly reduces reliability. There is no indication of recycled or outdated content, supporting a positive assessment with medium confidence due to source limitations.
