On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump enforced a return to office mandate for federal employees, particularly at HUD. Coinciding with this transition, a bizarre AI-generated video of Trump seemingly kissing Elon Musk's toes aired at HUD offices. This display, accompanied by the caption "LONG LIVE THE REAL KING," quickly gained traction on social media. Critics interpreted this as highlighting Musk's influence over Trump. The White House later responded, denying that Musk held power in Trump's administration, despite the public perception of their close association.
According to The Washington Post, TV screens throughout HUD showed a looping AI-generated video of Trump "kissing" Elon Musk's toes, superimposed with the words "LONG LIVE THE REAL KING."
Sources at HUD shared photos and videos with members of the Washington press corps and independent journalists. The images and video clips quickly made it to social media.
The official White House account later parroted Trump's post on X, adding a fake TIME magazine cover with a crowned King Donald.
The Trump White House has disputed this characterization, claiming just last week that Musk is not the real power behind Trump's administration.
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