A hacker who played a deepfake video of Donald Trump and Elon Musk on government office televisions has been identified and removed from the premises. The video, which showed Trump kissing Musk’s feet, aired in the cafeteria of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on February 24, shocking employees. The AI-generated clip, captioned “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING,” quickly went viral on social media, sparking a mix of reactions.
Officials have confirmed that the hacker is connected to the department and has been escorted off the property. While the individual’s name has not been disclosed, authorities are investigating the legal implications of the incident and considering disciplinary actions. A HUD spokesperson told The New York Post that the person had been identified and removed.
The video drew widespread attention online, with some viewers finding it humorous and others calling it disturbing. Observant users pointed out flaws in the AI-generated footage, such as Musk appearing to have “two left feet.” Despite its unsettling nature, the clip became a trending topic, with some even praising the hacker’s audacity. Members of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services joked on Twitter, “Not all heroes wear capes.”
This incident comes as Musk faces scrutiny for his role in government efficiency initiatives. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has been pushing for cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of certain positions. His recent email to federal employees, threatening termination if they failed to provide a list of their weekly accomplishments, has drawn criticism and raised questions about his influence.
The deepfake video underscores the growing sophistication of AI technology and its potential for misuse. As authorities work to address the situation, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the ethical challenges posed by deepfakes and the need for stronger safeguards in government systems.
