Monday morning took an unexpected turn for employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As federal workers returned to the office after an extended period of remote work, they were met with a surprising and bizarre sight—an AI-generated video showing former President Donald Trump kissing billionaire Elon Musk’s feet. The video, boldly captioned
“Long Live the Real King,”
Played continuously on HUD’s monitors, leaving many employees shocked and confused.
The 19-second clip was broadcast throughout the HUD building, including high-traffic areas like the cafeteria. The timing of this unusual incident coincided with the government’s order for federal employees to return to the office, marking an end to work-from-home arrangements. This strange welcome back certainly wasn’t on anyone’s agenda.
The video caught everyone off guard. The clip played on a loop for a full five minutes. Staff members scrambled to regain control of the monitors but faced technical challenges.
“It was surreal. We were just settling in, and suddenly this outrageous video popped up everywhere,” one employee shared. “We didn’t know whether to laugh, be shocked, or worry about what it meant.”
Despite the initial confusion, HUD officials were quick to express their disapproval.
“Another waste of taxpayer dollars and resources, Appropriate action will be taken for all involved.”
Stated HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett. The agency is currently investigating how the hack happened and who might be responsible.
This incident has only added fuel to the ongoing speculation surrounding the relationship between Trump and Musk. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has been making headlines for reportedly supporting Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Musk’s growing influence in Washington, particularly through his role in the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has drawn both attention and criticism.
In a recent interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump addressed rumors about his relationship with Musk.
“Actually, Elon called me. He said, ‘You know they’re trying to drive us apart,”
Trump shared. Hannity chimed in with a laugh, saying,
“This is going to be hard. I feel like I’m interviewing the two brothers.”
While many are calling it a prank, others believe the hack was a form of protest. The AI-generated video seems to mock the evolving relationship between Trump and Musk. Musk, now head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has gained considerable influence over federal policies. Some see him as overstepping his role, while others view him as a valuable ally to Trump.
Neither the White House nor Musk has commented on the incident. Their silence leaves many questions unanswered. Was this just a prank, or a deeper critique of power and influence? Was it merely meant to entertain, or to send a political message?
For HUD staff, the hack brought mixed reactions. Some found it hilarious—a much-needed break from the anxiety caused by layoffs and restructuring under Musk’s DOGE leadership. “Honestly, it was the most entertaining thing that’s happened here in months,” one employee joked.
But for others, it raised concerns about workplace security and professionalism. “It was embarrassing, especially with visitors around. It felt like a reminder of how uncertain things are here,” another employee remarked.
For now, HUD officials remain focused on finding those responsible. The investigation is expected to involve cybersecurity experts and federal law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, the public continues to speculate about the message behind the video and what it says about the current state of politics.
