Federal employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) encountered a peculiar situation this morning at the agency’s Washington, DC headquarters. Television monitors displayed an AI-generated video featuring former President Donald Trump in a compromising pose, allegedly kissing the feet of Elon Musk. The video, looping repeatedly, bore the caption “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING.”
A HUD employee shared footage of the incident with WIRED, revealing that staff had to manually turn off each television to cease the unsettling display. The source, who requested anonymity due to concerns over potential backlash, indicated that the unusual broadcast sparked confusion among employees. As of now, the origins of the video remain unknown, although AI-generated representations of Trump and Musk have circulated on social media for some time.
Kasey Lovett, a spokesperson for HUD, criticized the incident as a misuse of government resources, stating, “Another waste of taxpayer dollars and resources. Appropriate action will be taken for all involved.” The White House has yet to comment on the bizarre occurrence.
This incident comes on the heels of leaked documents indicating that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) project reportedly intends to reduce HUD’s workforce by 4,000 employees. This drastic measure comes at a time when the US is grappling with a significant housing crisis. Reports suggest that HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development could see as much as an 84 percent decrease in its staffing levels, according to the leaked documents.
A current HUD employee expressed concern, stating that the agency has begun notifying various stakeholders— including mayors, county heads, governors, and nonprofit leaders— to expect possible funding delays or losses due to the impending budget cuts.
Over the weekend, HUD employees received a directive from the Office of Personnel Management requesting concisely summarized weekly accomplishments. Many agency leaders and union representatives have advised their members against responding, while HUD management has instructed staff to hold off on any actions until at least noon on Monday.
In examining the broader implications for cybersecurity, it is essential to consider the potential for coercive tactics reminiscent of psychological operations. Although the specific motivations behind the video prank remain unclear, it exemplifies how disinformation campaigns can potentially exploit vulnerabilities in organizational environments. Surveillance tactics and social engineering could be relevant, aligning with the MITRE ATT&CK framework’s categories of initial access and information gathering.
As businesses integrate advanced AI technologies, the incident underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Organizations must remain vigilant against not only external threats but also internal disruptions that can emerge from emerging technologies and manipulative information campaigns.
