‘LONG LIVE THE REAL KING’: Hackers play AI video of Donald Trump kissing Elon Musk’s feet on HUD cafeteria screens

On Monday morning, an unexpected cyberattack disrupted the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) headquarters when hackers managed to breach a cafeteria television and broadcast an AI-generated video. According to the New York Post, the manipulated footage depicted former U.S. President Donald Trump caressing and kissing the feet of billionaire Elon Musk while displaying the phrase, “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING.” The incident, first reported by journalist Rachel Cohen, quickly gained national attention, fueling debates over cybersecurity vulnerabilities, political symbolism, and Musk’s perceived influence in government affairs. The identity of the hackers remains unclear, but the footage appears to have originated from a post on X, formerly Twitter, a week prior. Officials at HUD have condemned the breach and promised to take appropriate action, as reported.


The unauthorised broadcast occurred at the agency’s cafeteria, where employees were confronted with the AI-generated footage. The video, which was manipulated using advanced artificial intelligence techniques, was designed to be politically provocative, seemingly mocking Trump’s relationship with Musk. The phrase “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING” was prominently displayed, further intensifying the symbolic nature of the content.
It remains uncertain whether independent hackers or a coordinated group was behind the attack. While cybersecurity experts speculate that the breach may have been an effort to draw attention to Musk’s growing governmental influence, no group has yet claimed responsibility.

HUD spokeswoman Kasey Lovett issued a formal statement denouncing the hack, calling it a "waste of taxpayer dollars and resources" and confirming that the agency would take "appropriate action" against those responsible. Meanwhile, members of the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees housing policies, reacted with a mix of amusement and criticism. Some Democratic lawmakers appeared to endorse the video’s message, referencing Musk’s role in overseeing budgetary audits of various federal agencies, including HUD. In contrast, others condemned the stunt as inappropriate and potentially illegal.
The incident has also reignited public debate over the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s influence on government operations. Musk, 53, has been leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative designed to audit and cut wasteful federal spending. His involvement has drawn both praise and criticism, with some viewing his reforms as necessary and others arguing that he wields too much power within the executive branch.

Recent polling indicates that a growing number of Americans believe Musk’s influence in the federal government has become excessive. The DOGE team, under Musk’s leadership, has claimed to recover $1.9 billion in misallocated HUD funds and cancel at least $4 million in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) contracts. In response to these budgetary adjustments, Musk remarked on X, “It is astounding how much taxpayer money can be saved with even a small amount of effort.”
Additionally, Musk recently demanded that all federal employees provide weekly reports summarizing their accomplishments in five bullet points. HUD Secretary Scott Turner confirmed that the department was actively working on a DOGE task force to improve efficiency, stating, “We’re going to take inventory of all HUD’s programs and ensure every dollar that goes out the door is advancing HUD’s mission.”
Also read | Genshin Impact Codes | Fruit Battlegrounds Codes | Blox Fruits Codes | Peroxide Codes