Topics: Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Social Media, Artificial Intelligence, US News, Politics, Twitter
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 in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) were shocked to see a somewhat intimate video between Donald Trump and his 'First Buddy', Elon Musk, being played from the TV in the cafeteria.
The video suggested the pair were taking their buddy status the extra mile, appearing closer than ever as Trump rubbed and kissed the SpaceX founder's toes and feet.
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A caption over the AI-generated clip read: "LONG LIVE THE REAL KING."
Now, officials have tracked down the alleged cyberpunk behind the stunt, who could be facing legal action after being booted out of the government building.
While the identity of the individual has not been revealed, nor how they managed to overhaul the HUD's television system in the agency's headquarters, a spokesperson suggested they are connected to the department and have been identified.
A HUD rep told The New York Post on Tuesday: "Yesterday, an individual was escorted off the property.
"Legal ramifications are being explored. Additionally, termination or suspension of certain services are being explored as it relates to the department."
After the incident, HUD officials regained control of the TVs and began to showcase some of Trump's political achievements.
The unsettling footage has since gone viral on social media, which was first shared by Vox journalist Rachel Cohen.
Dozens on Twitter described the digitally manipulated footage as 'funny' but 'disgusting' in equal measure.
Other eagle-eyed viewers said they could tell instantly that the video was created with artificial intelligence after Musk appeared to have 'two left feet'.
Meanwhile, rival Democrats from the US House Committee on Financial Services shared a giggle at the clip, writing: "Not all heroes wear capes."
The AI-broadcast of Musk and Trump also comes at a time when the pair are under scrutiny for the billionaire's role in heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
DOGE has been on a cost-cutting rampage, including culling several positions in the government.
And while the White House maintains Musk's position is voluntary and that he has 'no actual or formal authority to make government decisions himself', this week Musk appeared to assert his position by threatening federal employees with the sack if they failed to respond to his email.
The controversial email instructed staff to respond with a bullet point list of five things they had accomplished that week - or resign if they didn't reply before the deadline.
The president said there was a 'lot of genius' to the idea.
UNILAD has contacted the HUD for comment and previously reach out to representatives for Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
