While Everyone’s Ghibli Worked, the White House Ghiblified Into Controversy

By Anshika Mathews
Published on April 1, 2025

Enterprise AI

The viral trend itself has raised broader concerns about AI, creativity, and digital privacy.

The White House’s attempt to tap into internet culture has backfired spectacularly. When it released a Studio Ghibli-style photograph of Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, a convicted fentanyl dealer and unlawful migrant, crying upon her arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the response came quickly and strongly. What had seemed to be meant as an attention seeking photo turned into a spectacle of outrage, propelling debate on the issues of governance, morality, and the absolute absurdity of modern political messages. https://t.co/PVdINmsHXs pic.twitter.com/Bw5YUCI2xL— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 27, 2025 Social media has been flooded in recent weeks with AI-generated Ghibli-style images, as OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT update allows users to turn any photo into t

Subscribe or log in to Continue Reading

Uncompromising innovation. Timeless influence. Your support powers the future of independent tech journalism.

Already have an account? Sign In.

📣 Want to advertise in AIM Research? Book here >

Anshika Mathews

Anshika is the Senior Content Strategist for AIM Research. She holds a keen interest in technology and related policy-making and its impact on society. She can be reached at anshika.mathews@aimresearch.co

25 July 2025 | 583 Park Avenue, New York

MachineCon 2025

The Biggest Exclusive Gathering of CDOs & AI Leaders In United States