Shockwaves hit the nation’s capital as the White House faces mounting backlash for sharing a digitally manipulated photo of a controversial church protest bust.

The incident unfolded after the Department of Justice, helmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, announced Thursday the arrest of Nekima Levy Armstrong, accused of masterminding a dramatic anti-ICE demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem fueled the fire by posting a snap of Armstrong’s arrest on X, formerly known as Twitter. Not content with reality, the White House social media squad allegedly ran the image through artificial intelligence, tweaking Armstrong’s face to show streaming tears—a move critics are calling a blatant attempt at emotional propaganda.

As accusations of digital fakery swirl, the administration finds itself in the hot seat over just how far it will go to sway public opinion.