Will-Trump-and-Musk’s

Kiss of Controversy: Trump-Musk Deepfake Sparks Uncertainty

 

The recent emergence of a deepfake video showing President Trump kissing Elon Musk's feet, paired with the caption "Long Live the Real King”, has sparked speculation about whether their famously close relationship might suffer. 

 

Fabricated but Potentially Damaging

 

While the video is clearly fabricated, its bizarre nature and rapid spread could stir public unease, especially among supporters who view their bond as a symbol of power and mutual respect. Some might see it as a harmless prank, but others could interpret it as an attempt to undermine their credibility, potentially straining their alliance if either feels compelled to distance themselves. 

Given their history of shrugging off controversies, though, it’s just as likely they’ll brush this off with a laugh—unless the fallout from whoever’s held accountable shifts the narrative further. Only time will tell if this oddity leaves a lasting mark.

 

How did it start

 

The video reading with graphical content of US President Donald Trump kissing Musk's feet was most likely generated using artificial intelligence (AI). This is a reference to the President’s Truth Social post last week in which he wrote, “Long Live the King!”
On Monday, the staffs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC, were welcomed with a deepfake AI video of President Trump kissing Musk’s feet. 

The root, an unspecified HUD employee, granted secrecy over losing their job and said the workers had to switch off each television to stop the mockery telecast manually. They even shared a video on a TV screen inside the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building with WIRED.
This video displays Musk having two left feet while Trump licks the toes. This kind of error is a hallmark of AI-generated content.
 Brian Krassentein, an X user, posted this video with a thrilled caption saying, “WOW! This actually just happened!”
The HUD prank was earlier reported to journalist Marisa Kabas by The Washington Post.

 

Was the deepfake sarcastic

 

Elon Musk became one of Trump’s high-octane allies. He has gained power in federal agencies since Trump’s presidency. He has pushed alarms about reducing the workforce in the federal government, letting go of thousands of them. Musk's most recent act retaliated when he sent emails across for a weekly report listing five achievements or to be considered fired. This highlights the budding rumors encircling Musk’s role in government happenings.

 

What next

 

Videos and images have widely surfaced on social media, including some official Democratic accounts. The federal officers now have spotted the hacker who streamed an AI-powered video of Trump kissing the feet of Elon Musk on public TVs on Monday and are warning to take legal proceedings for the same.

This mock prank coincided with many federal employees returning to their offices this week, as Trump sought to roll back the option of working from home. A HUD employee said, Everyone is talking and laughing about it.