Michigan CEO loses job after posting AI-made image of her family in ‘Lake America’ sweaters

Key Points:

• Jane Smith, former CEO of Family First Credit Union in Michigan, was dismissed after posting an AI-edited family photo with sweaters labeled "Lake America," a name linked to Donald Trump's controversial renaming of Lake Ontario.
• The post, shared on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and referencing Halifax, Canada, sparked backlash for being insensitive, especially given Halifax's role in hosting stranded passengers during the 9/11 airspace closure.
• Smith apologized for the post, citing poor judgment and stating no political intent, but the credit union emphasized its commitment to community trust and announced her immediate departure.
• The controversy ties into broader rejection of Trump's executive order renaming Lake Ontario, with Canadian leaders and several US Great Lakes governors reaffirming the lake's traditional name.
• Family First Credit Union named Jason Acosta as interim CEO and apologized for the distress caused, highlighting their responsibility to act in the credit union's and community's best interests.