OpenAI says it has detected Chinese-speaking activity using its ChatGPT service to generate propaganda-like content aimed at influencing U.S. debate over Donald Trump’s trade and technology policies. In its report, OpenAI states that the activity involved users creating slogans and cartoons critiquing Trump’s tariff approach and related policy topics. OpenAI says some of the generated material was later posted on X.
The company describes the activity as part of broader Chinese influence efforts targeting issues including tariffs and data centers, and it says the efforts appear to date to late 2025 and early 2026. OpenAI also reports that it believes the attempts had little or no effect.
Both outlets describe the same core points: OpenAI attributes the activity to Chinese-speaking propagandists, says ChatGPT was used to produce content, and links the content distribution to X. The reports also frame the episode as an example of how generative AI tools are increasingly incorporated into digital influence campaigns.
