White House posts an altered photo of Minnesota protester's arrest to make it look like she was crying

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CBS News

January 22, 2026 / 5:36 PM EST / CBS News


The White House posted a photo on social media that was digitally altered to make it look like a protester was sobbing as she was arrested in connection with a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a Minnesota church.

A photo of Nekima Levy Armstrong's arrest — showing Armstrong with a neutral expression — was first posted on X by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Thursday morning. The image the White House posted appears the same except Armstrong's altered facial expression shows her distressed, with tears running down her face.

The White House posted the image of Armstrong seemingly crying with a caption calling her "a far-left agitator," roughly 30 minutes after Noem posted the initial image. The altered version was also reposted on X by Vice President JD Vance.


The image on the left, shared by the White House on X, was digitally altered to make it look like Nekima Levy Armstrong was crying during her arrest. The image on the right, posted roughly 30 minutes earlier by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, showed Armstrong with a neutral expression.
CBS News

The White House's post drew a flood of comments from X users, with many saying the image appeared to have been manipulated. In response to CBS News' request for comment on whether the photo was altered, the White House press office sent a link to an X post by White House spokesman Kaelan Dorr referring to the post as a "meme." "Enforcement of the law will continue. The memes will continue. Thank you for your attention to this matter," Dorr said on X.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-house-photo-minnesota-protester-arrest-altered-crying/

[Skittles]

1. that's some seriously fucked up shyte right there

but we know repukes lie, cheat, steal like they breathe

[chia]

2. "The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."

[NewEnglandAutumn]

3. Accuse them of brutality

use the image as her evidence

[Timeflyer]

4. Our "Ministry of Truth" at work, altering the past to control the future.

[maxrandb]

5. Her defense attorney ought to have a "blanking" field day with this

I am not sure this isn't grounds for dismissal with prejudice.

Once dismissed, Ms. Armstrong ought to sue these Nazis for...I don't know...$50B

[barbtries]

6. propaganda.

it's everything to these FUCKS

[Jay25]

7. Fear of a strong black woman.

Posting a fake photo to make her look weak and afraid, like she regretted her actions.
The question is, how much evidence, against whomever, is being altered by this administration? At this point, they can alter a photo (Abrego Garcia,) and put whatever they want in the photo and file charges against anyone. If you don't have a real photo to dispute it, you're screwed?

[JohnnyRingo]

8. ...Then admitting to it without regrets.

Even stating that it will be normal procedure from now on.
It seems openly rewriting history has become the standard practice within the GOP.

[MadameButterfly]

9. how could viewers tell photo had been manipulated?

[BumRushDaShow]

10. That's the point

It's pure, unadulterated propaganda.

It's up to the media and 3rd parties to call it out.

[MadameButterfly]

11. The OP claimed that people on x were saying the photo appeared to be manipulated

I just want to understand how one recognizes such a thing. Obviously most of us are clueless, and that is their aim.

[Kid Berwyn]

12. Fake Evidence.

Fake Administration.

What’s True: Trump and his enablers are traitors.