Norwegian politician criticised for sharing AI-generated fake image of prime minister

A senior Norwegian politician from the Progress Party (Frp) has sparked outrage after posting an AI-generated fake image of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and his cabinet, Dagbladet reports.

Ulf Erik Knudsen, deputy mayor of Drammen and leader of the local Frp group, shared the manipulated image on Facebook on Thursday morning. The picture depicts Støre making an offensive hand gesture while cabinet members appear shocked. The image includes AI-generated versions of several ministers, including Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Knudsen accompanied the post with a critical message about the government’s interest rate policy, referencing the central bank’s decision to raise rates to 4.25 percent. He acknowledged the image was AI-generated.

The post has drawn sharp condemnation from across the political spectrum. Even Røed, a Labour Party (Ap) MP and Buskerud county leader, called the use of AI-manipulated images “Trump-style” tactics. “This is unacceptable from one of Frp’s most experienced politicians,” Røed told Dagbladet, urging the party to address the issue internally.

Lars Haltbrekken, deputy leader of the Socialist Left Party (SV), described the image as “dragging Norwegian political debate through American Trump-style mud” and demanded Frp leader Sylvi Listhaug take action. “She can’t accuse others of running a ‘troll factory’ while this exists in her own party,” he said.

Drammen’s mayor, Kjell Arne Hermansen of the Conservative Party, distanced himself from the controversy, stating that social media activity by council members falls outside his responsibility.

Dagbladet reports it has sought comment from Knudsen and Frp’s communications chief but received no response. The Prime Minister’s office has also not responded to requests for comment.