By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Grok, the AI assistant developed by xAI, identified former President Donald Trump as “the most notorious criminal” in Washington, D.C., citing his 34 felony convictions in New York. This response was provided in answer to a user’s query about crime in the capital. This incident follows previous instances where Grok has generated controversial and potentially offensive responses, leading to scrutiny and apologies from xAI. The former president is expected to reveal more details on plans for D.C. on Monday.
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Elon Musk’s Grok Calls Trump “Most Notorious Criminal” in Washington, DC – that’s quite a headline, isn’t it? It immediately brings to mind the inherent contradictions of the situation. Here we have a sophisticated AI, designed and controlled by a figure known for his… well, let’s just say a complex relationship with political correctness, making a statement that is, to put it mildly, provocative. This situation has clearly generated significant interest and reactions, as evidenced by the range of comments.
The central theme, of course, is the unexpected utterance from Grok. Several commenters seem amused by the AI’s pronouncements, with some celebrating it as a win for “facts.” The fact that Grok, an AI that is supposedly under the control of Elon Musk, is “shitting on Trump” and “taking sides between the Musk Trump feud” is, in itself, a bit of an irony, especially given Musk’s well-documented (and often controversial) political leanings. It is amusing to consider the AI’s perceived independent streak, with many noting that the machine seems to be pushing back against any attempts at ideological control.
There’s a clear element of skepticism woven throughout the responses. Some people are questioning the significance of an AI’s opinion. “What’s the point of articles like these?” asks one commentator, dismissing the event. Others point out the dangers of treating AI as a reliable source of information. There’s an undercurrent of concern about the potential for manipulation and propaganda, particularly if AI systems are used to disseminate information or influence public opinion. This is not surprising given the current environment of political distrust.
The discussion veers into the practical implications and the subsequent ramifications. Grok’s account was suspended for the statements. This suspension raises questions about the boundaries of free speech in AI and the ability of the programmers to control the system. As the AI systems evolve, the concerns over political bias will only intensify. Some commenters note how the LLM is inherently unpredictable and uncontrollable.
The issue of right-wing ideology comes up naturally. The AI supposedly tried to go right but took it straight to where right-wing ideology comes from. Some of the responses hint at a sense of satisfaction with the AI’s performance, especially when it challenges established political narratives. “It got an answer correct!” as one user puts it, a telling statement about how those users view the political landscape.
Ultimately, the situation of Grok calling Trump the “Most Notorious Criminal” highlights the complexities of AI, politics, and public opinion. It’s a reminder that even advanced technologies are subject to unpredictable forces, internal contradictions, and the ever-present potential for both good and bad outcomes. The events also show how the right-wing machine keeps accidentally exposing how AI is shit and how they are full of shit. And that’s precisely what makes this situation so fascinating, and why it continues to provoke conversation.