Since his loss in the 2020 Presidential elections, former President Donald Trump has been in the headlines for various reasons. One of the most talked-about topics is his potential use of his booking photo for fundraising and campaign merchandise. Aides and advisers of Trump are pushing to release his booking photo for fundraising and campaign merchandise. With Trump surrendering to authorities and being fingerprinted and processed, including a possible mugshot, questions about the release of this image have arisen.
The Mugshot Debate
Donald Trump is the first former President of the United States to face criminal charges. He will be arraigned on multiple charges of falsifying business records, including at least one felony offense. His fundraising team reported raising over $4 million within 24 hours after a grand jury voted to indict him. Fox News host and presidential historian agree that a mugshot could make Trump appear as a hero or outlaw folk hero. However, the decision to release the mugshot may be up to Trump, as booking photos cannot be released in New York state unless there is a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
The idea of releasing his mugshot has gained momentum among his supporters, many of whom believe that any evidence of his prosecution strengthens the narrative of a politicized “witch hunt.” Others see it as a way to fuel attack ads and donor appeals for his potential 2024 Presidential campaign. Trump has not yet committed to requesting the mugshot, but he has not opposed the idea either.
The Missing Mugshot
One aspect that has caused confusion regarding this debate is whether or not there exists an actual mug shot. Many believe that this image was not taken due to logistical and legal challenges. The Manhattan Criminal Courts Building does not have the necessary equipment required, which means Trump would have had to be moved to another facility.
Moreover, officials were also concerned that in such a high-profile case, the image could leak from law enforcement agencies which would be illegal and add another layer of drama to the already sensational Trump case. Given that Trump wasn’t photographed, we have to see whether he would have to pose for a mugshot now that he is expected to surrender to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office on Tuesday. It is unclear if Trump will have to pose for a mug shot and if he does, it is not known when, or if the image will be made public.
The Rise of Fake Mugshots
While there is no authentic image of Trump’s booking photo yet, some of his supporters have discussed creating fake mug shots to circulate online. Part of the reason why this might become prevalent is due to advances in AI technology that allow individuals with little or no graphic design experience to create realistic-looking images easily. Although no convincing fake images of Trump’s mug shot have gone viral yet, it is likely that people will see fake and AI-generated mug shots of Trump in the coming days.
The Mugshot as a Symbol
Trump’s cronies got MAGA world hyped about the photo, reassuring them that there would be a manly, handsome mugshot. Team Trump was plotting how to make money and gain publicity by putting the mugshot on merchandise and blasting out fundraising pitches to donors and supporters. However, if an actual booking photo exists or becomes public in some way, it may not be as flattering as hoped.
In conclusion, Donald Trump’s potential use of his booking photo for his 2024 presidential campaign has created controversy even before an actual image exists. His supporters are pushing for its release, while others believe that it could make him appear as an outlaw folk hero rather than a leader fit for public office again. While the rise of fake images adds another dimension to this debate, its significance lies in what this image ultimately represents – a symbol of politics in a country divided more than ever before.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
