Efforts by federal agencies to promote upcoming civic events hit an unexpected snag after social media users began misidentifying characters in a stylized promotional image.

A AI-image posted by the Department of Education, intended to spotlight the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on the National Mall, generated millions of views as commenters claimed two of the figures bore an uncanny resemblance to former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Digital rendering tools generated the image, which depicted three figures driving high-speed karts through a cartoon version of Washington, D.C.

Low public profiles drive character confusion

Depicted in the graphic were President Donald Trump alongside Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Despite departmental logos embedded on the vehicles—including an “ED” designation on the motorcycle and official agency crests—viewers quickly jumped to wilder conclusions.

Reactions across social platforms reflected widespread bewilderment over the visual misinterpretation.

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“Why is trump racing Hillary Clinton and Jeffery Epstein,” one X user asked, while another posted:

“Donald playing with his dawgs Hillary and Jeffrey Epstein.”

Commenters continued to express disbelief as the post circulated globally.

“Putting Epstein there for the love of the game is crazy,” wrote a third user.

Opposition lawmakers quickly seized on the viral momentum. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee reposted the image, captioning it with a quote from The Bourne Ultimatum: “Jesus Christ, that’s Jeffrey Epstein.”

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Automated vision tools fared no better when asked to process the scene. Asked to identify the trio, Perplexity pegged them as Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, while Gemini identified Donald Trump alongside Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey.