A video likely made using artificial intelligence of President Donald Trump kissing the feet of Elon Musk was reportedly playing on a loop in the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development headquarters Monday morning, as criticism of Musk’s government authority builds.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket on Nov. 19, 2024 in Brownsville, Texas.
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Key Takeaways
- The video appears to be generated by artificial intelligence—in part because it depicts Musk with two left feet, according to Vox and Wired, which both had footage of the video playing on a HUD television.
- On top of the footage of Trump kissing the feet of Musk, the video reads: “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING.”
- An unnamed HUD employee who provided Wired with the video said federal workers had to manually turn off each television to stop the video from playing.
- Kasey Lovett, a HUD spokesperson, told Forbes the video was “another waste of taxpayer dollars and resources” and that “appropriate action” would be taken.
Big Number
4,000. That’s about how many HUD employees are expected to be laid off as Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency works to reduce the federal workforce and spending, according to an internal memo seen by The Washington Post that detailed cuts.
What To Watch For
Whether Musk or Trump comment on the video. As of just before 12:30 p.m. EST, neither had responded to clips or images of it on social media.
What Is Hud?
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is a federal agency that works on policy and programs around housing needs, fair housing laws and communities in the U.S. It was created by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and works to help “create a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans.” Some of its major programs include community development block grants, rental assistance through Section 8 vouchers, public housing for low-income families and individuals, homeless assistance and mortgage and loan insurance.
Key Background
Musk has taken on a role as one of Trump’s key advisers in his second administration, though the partnership has drawn criticism and legal challenges from those who claim Musk effectively had unchecked authority in slashing government funding and the federal workforce. Prior to taking office, Trump announced he would appoint Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with the direction to “slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.”
Musk has said the agency is working to be transparent and share the “fraud” it claims to be finding, and on its government website—which was last updated on Feb. 17—it says it has saved the government $55 billion (though a Bloomberg analysis suggested that number is far higher than the savings DOGE has actually found). According to the DOGE site, most of the savings from cut contracts have come from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Education Department and the Office of Personnel Management.
Forbes Valuation
Forbes estimates Musk has a net worth of $383.6 billion, making him the wealthiest person in the world, and we estimate Trump has a net worth of $5.3 billion, making him the 633rd-wealthiest person in the world.
