Feds track down hacker behind fake AI video of Trump kissing Musk’s feet, ‘legal ramifications’ on the table

"Yesterday, an individual was escorted off the property,” a HUD representative told the New York Post on Tuesday. “Legal ramifications are being explored. Additionally, termination or suspension of certain services are being explored as it relates to the department.”

The video, which appeared on public TVs in HUD’s cafeteria, played on a loop alongside the message: “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING.” Employees were reportedly forced to shut down the televisions manually to stop the broadcast.

The video gained attention after an unnamed HUD employee provided footage to Wired, claiming it disrupted the morning routine of federal workers. The Washington Post initially described the video as “possibly” AI-generated but later removed the qualifier, affirming it as artificial.

Kasey Lovett, a HUD spokesperson, criticized the incident, calling it “another waste of taxpayer dollars and resources” while vowing that “appropriate action” would be taken.

The disruption comes at a time when Musk’s influence in the federal government has become an increasing point of contention. Being associated with the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, Musk and Trump have taken action on significant budget cuts, including layoffs at HUD. An internal memo leaked to The Washington Post revealed that approximately 4,000 HUD employees are expected to lose their jobs as part of these cost-cutting measures.

Beyond the controversy surrounding the AI video, Musk has also drawn attention for his demands on government employees. Over the weekend, the world’s richest man directed the Office of Personnel Management to send an email requiring federal workers to submit a five-point list of their accomplishments from the previous week.

The deadline for the report was initially set for midnight Monday into Tuesday. However, after pushback, OPM clarified to HR departments across various agencies that the request was not mandatory.