The shocking AI stunt has gone viral on social media
Officials have tracked down the alleged hacker who managed to broadcast a disturbing deepfake video of the president across several governmental TVs.
On Monday, February 24, government workers at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) were left stunned when an unexpected video surfaced on the cafeteria TV. The footage featured none other than Donald Trump and his “First Buddy,” Elon Musk, in a decidedly unexpected moment of camaraderie.
In the bizarre video, the two appeared to be taking their friendship to a whole new level, with Trump seen rubbing and even kissing Musk’s toes and feet. The intimate display had staff members talking, as the duo’s closeness seemed to cross a line into something far more personal than anyone anticipated.
A caption above the AI-generated clip read: “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING.”
Now, officials have tracked down the suspected mastermind behind the bizarre stunt, and they could be facing serious legal consequences after being kicked out of the government building. While the individual’s identity remains a mystery, as does how they managed to hack into the HUD’s television system at the agency’s headquarters, a spokesperson confirmed they are connected to the department and have been identified.
A HUD representative spoke to The New York Post on Tuesday, stating, “Yesterday, an individual was escorted off the property. Legal ramifications are being explored, and the termination or suspension of certain services related to the department are also under consideration.”
After the bizarre incident, HUD officials quickly regained control of the TVs and replaced the unsettling footage with a showcase of Trump’s political achievements. The digitally manipulated clip, which has since gone viral, was initially shared by Vox journalist Rachel Cohen.
Social media reactions were a mix of shock and humor, with many Twitter users describing the AI-created footage as both “funny” and “disgusting” in equal measure. Some astute viewers even pointed out the video’s artificial nature, noting that Musk appeared to have “two left feet,” a glaring sign of AI manipulation.
Rival Democrats on the US House Committee on Financial Services couldn’t help but chuckle, commenting, “Not all heroes wear capes,” as they enjoyed the spectacle.
The timing of the AI broadcast is particularly notable, as it coincides with growing scrutiny around the roles of Musk and Trump. Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been leading a controversial cost-cutting campaign that has involved slashing numerous government positions.
Despite the White House maintaining that Musk’s role is voluntary and that he doesn’t hold any formal authority in making government decisions, Musk has recently made waves by sending a stern email to federal employees, warning them of termination if they didn’t respond to a list of five accomplishments for the week. The president, backing Musk’s approach, commented that there was “a lot of genius” in the idea.
