Officials have identified the hacker responsible for a bizarre deepfake video that went viral after being played on televisions inside a government building. The video, created using artificial intelligence, showed former President Donald Trump kissing and caressing the feet of billionaire Elon Musk. The clip, which included the caption “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING,” shocked employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when it aired in the cafeteria on Monday, February 24.

The hacker, whose name has not been released, is reportedly connected to the department and has been escorted off the premises. Authorities are now investigating the legal implications of the incident and considering disciplinary actions, including suspension or termination of services. A HUD spokesperson confirmed to The New York Post that the individual had been identified and removed from the building.
The video quickly gained traction on social media, with reactions ranging from amusement to disgust. Some viewers noted that the AI-generated footage was flawed, pointing out that Musk appeared to have “two left feet.” Despite its unsettling nature, the clip sparked widespread discussion, with some even praising the hacker’s audacity. Members of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services jokingly tweeted, “Not all heroes wear capes,” in response to the video.
This incident comes at a time when both Trump and Musk are under scrutiny for their roles in government efficiency initiatives. Musk, who has been leading efforts to cut costs within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), recently sent a controversial email to federal employees, threatening termination if they failed to respond with a list of their weekly accomplishments. While the White House maintains that Musk’s role is voluntary, his actions have raised questions about his influence.
The deepfake video serves as a reminder of the growing sophistication of AI technology and its potential for misuse. As authorities work to address the fallout from this incident, the hacker’s actions have sparked a broader conversation about the ethical implications of deepfakes and the need for stronger safeguards in government systems.