Federal employees were left in disbelief after an AI-generated video of former President Donald Trump in an unexpected moment with billionaire Elon Musk was broadcast across multiple government building televisions.
The incident, which took place on Monday, February 24, at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) headquarters, has sparked debates over cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the deepening ties between political leaders and tech industry giants.
Workers arriving at the HUD cafeteria were stunned to find televisions playing a bizarre looped video of Trump kissing and caressing Musk’s feet.
The deepfake footage was accompanied by the cryptic caption, “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING,” adding to the confusion and speculation surrounding the stunt.
The footage’s sudden appearance on government-controlled screens led to immediate panic among officials, who scrambled to regain control of the broadcasting system.
Given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved, the video quickly went viral on social media, drawing a mix of shock, amusement, and concern from viewers across the political spectrum.
Employees were already facing a tense morning, as February 24 marked the first day back in office for many federal workers following Trump’s executive order ending remote work policies.
The unexpected broadcast only added to the chaos of the day, prompting swift action from HUD’s internal security teams.
Officials rushed to shut off the affected monitors, preventing further circulation of the video within the department’s premises.
In an effort to regain control over the situation, HUD replaced the compromised content with official government programming highlighting Trump’s policy achievements.
HUD’s press secretary, Kasey Lovett, condemned the stunt, calling it a “waste of taxpayer dollars and resources,” and vowed that “appropriate action will be taken for all involved.”
The incident has raised serious concerns about the security of federal communication networks and their vulnerability to cyber threats, especially as government agencies continue to integrate digital technologies.
While details about how the hack was executed remain unclear, cybersecurity experts have pointed to potential insider access or weaknesses in HUD’s broadcasting system.
The deepfake video comes at a time when Trump and Musk’s relationship has been the subject of intense public scrutiny.
Musk, who has been an outspoken supporter of Trump’s administration, was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial initiative aimed at cutting federal spending.
His role has drawn criticism, especially after reports surfaced that Musk issued a directive requiring federal employees to submit weekly reports of their accomplishments or face termination.
The unsettling AI broadcast has reignited debates about the dangers of deepfake technology and its ability to manipulate public perception.
While some social media users laughed off the video as an elaborate joke, others raised alarms about the potential consequences of AI-generated disinformation in government settings.
In a major development, officials have now identified the hacker responsible for the unauthorized broadcast at HUD.
While their identity has not been publicly disclosed, authorities have confirmed that the individual was removed from the premises and is currently under investigation.
Legal actions are being considered, with officials exploring the possibility of charges related to unauthorized system access and the dissemination of manipulated media.
This shocking breach has underscored the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity protocols within federal agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, the government is assessing its digital security framework to ensure that such disruptions do not happen again.
With the rise of AI-generated media, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the evolving challenges posed by modern technology in safeguarding information and maintaining public trust.
Feature Image Credit: (Youtube/@NDTV)
