The White House confirmed on Thursday that an image posted by its official social media account showing the arrest of Minnesota protester Nekima Levy Armstrong had been digitally altered, after media organizations questioned the authenticity of the photograph.
The image was shared after Armstrong was arrested in St. Paul following a protest at Cities Church, where demonstrators entered during a service. Armstrong has been accused by federal authorities of playing a leading role in organizing the protest.
https://t.co/ACPZFX2m3x pic.twitter.com/MyvE9HkSRA
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 22, 2026
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem earlier posted a photograph of Armstrong’s arrest that showed her being escorted by a law enforcement officer with a neutral facial expression. About 30 minutes later, the White House posted a second image depicting Armstrong appearing to cry, while retaining the same background and officer.
Homeland Security Investigators and FBI agents arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong who played a key role in orchestrating the Church Riots in St. Paul, Minnesota.
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) January 22, 2026
She is being charged with a federal crime under 18 USC 241.
Religious freedom is the bedrock of the United States -… pic.twitter.com/O9yp4nRio1
The altered image was labeled “digitally altered” by X community notes and was reposted by Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance.
When asked about the image, the White House directed some media outlets to a social media post by Deputy Communications Director Kaelan Dorr, who described the post as a “meme” and defended its use.
“Enforcement of the law will continue. The memes will continue,” Dorr wrote.
YET AGAIN to the people who feel the need to reflexively defend perpetrators of heinous crimes in our country I share with you this message:
— Kaelan Dorr (@Kaelan47) January 22, 2026
Enforcement of the law will continue. The memes will continue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. https://t.co/XPGE4PORHL
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Armstrong was arrested for allegedly playing “a key role in organizing the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.”
Noem said Armstrong was being charged under federal law for her alleged role in the protest, adding that “religious freedom is the bedrock of the United States” and that there is no constitutional right to disrupt worship services.
Armstrong has criticized the conduct of federal authorities in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Good on Jan. 7. Good was killed during an encounter with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, after authorities said she attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon.
Protests have since taken place across Minnesota, with demonstrators calling for ICE to leave the state.
Armstrong’s attorney, Jordan Kushner, said she remained calm during her arrest and criticized the use of the altered image.
“She was dignified, calm, rational the whole time,” Kushner said, adding that altering the photo was “unprofessional.”
The White House and senior administration officials have previously shared AI-generated or edited images on social media, drawing criticism from opponents who argue that such content risks misleading the public.
