US leader Donald Trump’s own chatbot has surprisingly suggested that one of his political predecessors was ‘better’ than him, which is likely to displease the former president.
The chatbot, known as Truth Search, is accessible to users of the 79-year-old’s Truth Social platform. When posed the question, ‘Who is the most popular US president of this century?’ it delivered an unexpected response.
Truth Search, developed by the firm Perplexity, aims to provide ‘direct, reliable answers’ and bring ‘powerful AI to an audience with important questions.’ Like other AI bots, it processes vast amounts of data from the internet to formulate its responses.
Developers have limited control over the chatbot’s conclusions, and the AI has occasionally provided answers that contradict Trump’s past statements.
The AI’s response to the presidential popularity question was: “The answer depends on how ‘most popular’ is measured (average job approval while in office vs. peak favorability after leaving office). Using standard approval metrics, George W. Bush holds the highest single-month peak approval (around 90% after 9/11), while Barack Obama has the highest sustained average favorability in post-presidency among 21st‑century presidents.”
However, The Washington Post noted that the tool mentioned that ‘conservative commentators’ often hail Trump as the best.
It stated, “Different groups and surveys prioritize different qualities.”
Truth Search has also contradicted Trump by stating that his tariffs are a tax on American citizens, the 2020 election was not stolen, and his family’s cryptocurrency investments have conflicts of interest.
Social media users have reacted humorously to the bot’s statements, with one person joking: “We need more chatbots like that,” and another remarking, “Unlike Trump, it would appear his chatbot ‘speaks’ the truth.”
In a related development, it was revealed that Trump has moved Obama’s presidential portrait to a less visible area in the White House. According to CNN, what was once displayed prominently is now in a lesser-accessible part of the building.
Obama’s portrait location is limited to the first family, Secret Service agents, and executive residents, while Trump reportedly takes an active role in White House decor, sparking social media discussions.
A Reddit user called him ‘hilarious and insecure,’ and another commented that Trump’s actions are ‘petty’ and show his insecurity.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump, stating on social media: “Small men hide from history’s giants,” in response to the portrait’s relocation.
UNILAD has reached out to The White House, along with Obama and Bush’s offices, for comments.