An artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video depicting former President Donald Trump kissing Elon Musk’s feet was displayed on screens at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Monday. The video, seemingly satirical, included the phrase “Long live the real king”, referencing a recent post by Trump on Truth Social where he wrote: “Long Live the King!”
The broadcast of the video in a federal building has sparked controversy, with questions arising about how it was aired and who was responsible. The Hill obtained an image of the screens at HUD displaying the footage, further fueling the debate over its intent and implications.
Official Reactions and Investigation
The incident prompted swift reactions from government officials. HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett condemned the use of federal resources for the video’s display and confirmed that “appropriate action will be taken against those involved.” However, the identities of those responsible for airing the video remain undisclosed.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X, has gained significant influence in Trump’s administration following his appointment as head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. This agency was created to oversee public spending and reduce the federal workforce, further solidifying Musk’s role in shaping government policies.
Musk recently stirred controversy by instructing government employees to submit a weekly report listing five accomplishments, warning that failure to respond would be interpreted as resignation. Several federal agencies advised employees to disregard the directive, causing widespread confusion and concern.
Musk’s Influence and Political Tensions
The growing relationship between Trump and Musk has become a hot-button issue in Washington, with critics arguing that Musk wields excessive power over government affairs. Some Democratic leaders have even suggested that Musk is effectively “running the administration,” a claim that has not gone unnoticed in political circles.
Despite these criticisms, both Trump and Musk have sought to downplay any rift. In a recent joint interview, they asserted that the media was deliberately trying to drive a wedge between them, emphasizing their commitment to government reforms. However, the HUD video incident has reignited discussions about Musk’s expanding influence and his role in shaping U.S. policy.
