In a series of social media posts on Sunday, former President Donald Trump made false claims about the attendance at Vice President Kamala Harris' recent rally in Michigan. Trump alleged that "nobody" attended the event and accused Harris of using a "fake crowd picture." However, these claims have been debunked by numerous photos and videos captured by attendees and media outlets, clearly showing thousands of supporters present at the airport hangar near Detroit.

The spread of these false claims comes at a time when Trump is navigating the dynamics of a changed presidential race, with Vice President Harris gaining momentum and riding a wave of new Democratic enthusiasm. As someone who frequently boasts about the size of his own crowds, Trump seems to be particularly fixated on this aspect, often exaggerating the turnout at his own events.

Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump alleged that an airport maintenance worker had "turned in" Harris after supposedly noticing the fake crowd picture. He went on to state that Harris should be "disqualified" from the 2024 election, as he claimed the creation of a fake image amounted to election interference. However, the reality is that photos and videos from the rally clearly demonstrate a significant audience in attendance.

The event took place in a large hangar, which quickly filled up with supporters. The enthusiasm spilled over onto the tarmac where Air Force Two had landed, with two large risers and several rows of chairs set up outdoors. Giant screens were also present to cater to the large outdoor crowd that couldn't directly see the rally stage. Notably, CNN's cameras captured videos that further highlight the sizable audience at the rally.

David Plouffe, a senior adviser to the Harris campaign, responded to Trump's false claims, emphasizing the dangerous implications of such conspiracy theories. Plouffe stressed that the author of these baseless claims could potentially hold significant power and make decisions that would impact everyone's lives for decades to come.

Undeterred by the evidence, Trump shared a screenshot of a post from a social media platform that featured two photos. One photo, shared by a Harris staffer, showcased the thousands of people gathered to greet Harris' plane, while the other, a zoomed-in shot of Air Force Two's engine, did not clearly show the crowd. Trump used this as a basis for his unfounded accusations, alleging that Harris had cheated and created a fake image.

Reactions to Trump's false claims quickly circulated on social media, with rally attendees and Harris staffers sharing their own photos from the event to counter Trump's allegations. Lavora Barnes, chairwoman of the Michigan Democratic Party, humorously acknowledged being included in the AI-generated image of the crowd. She quipped about the "imaginary cheering" from the AI crowd, highlighting the absurdity of Trump's claims.

As the 2024 election approaches, it is crucial to maintain a commitment to truth and accurate reporting. False claims, such as the ones made by Trump regarding attendance at Harris' rally, only serve to further polarize the political landscape and undermine the democratic process. It is essential to rely on verified information and evidence when evaluating the statements made by public figures.