A bizarre AI-generated video featuring Donald Trump bowing to Elon Musk played on loop at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), leaving federal employees stunned.
On Monday morning, employees at HUD’s Washington, DC headquarters were met with an unexpected sight—television screens displaying an AI-generated video of former President Donald Trump appearing to kiss the feet of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The video was accompanied by the ominous phrase: “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING.”
Who Is Behind the Mysterious Video?
A source within HUD, who requested anonymity, shared a clip of the incident, revealing that the video played on a loop inside the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building. Employees reportedly had to manually switch off each television to stop the footage from playing.
The origins of the video remain unknown, though similar AI-generated content featuring Trump and Musk has circulated on social media for months. HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett condemned the incident, stating: “Another waste of taxpayer dollars and resources. Appropriate action will be taken against those responsible.”
Political Tensions Rise Amid HUD Workforce Cuts
The unsettling broadcast occurred just days after leaked documents revealed that Musk’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative plans to lay off 4,000 HUD employees. The agency is already grappling with a worsening housing crisis, adding to concerns about the potential impact of these cuts.
According to NPR reports, HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development is expected to lose 84% of its staff. A HUD employee disclosed that agency leadership has begun notifying local governments, nonprofits, and congressional offices to expect funding delays or reductions.
Federal Employees Ordered to Justify Their Jobs
Over the weekend, the Office of Personnel Management sent an email to HUD and other federal employees, requiring them to submit a summary of their weekly accomplishments. The move has sparked outrage, with leadership at several agencies advising employees not to comply until further notice.
As the federal workforce faces increasing uncertainty, incidents like the AI-generated video at HUD only add to the growing tension between government agencies and Silicon Valley’s most powerful figures.
The role of AI in shaping political narratives has never been more apparent. As deepfake technology advances, the potential for misinformation and manipulation continues to raise concerns among policymakers and cybersecurity experts alike.
