The recent surge in election misdirection leading up to the US presidential election includes a noteworthy addition: an AI-generated video by The Lincoln Project targeting former President Donald Trump. In this video, Fred Trump, the late father of the ex-president, delivers disparaging remarks about his son’s abilities and character.
The video was created by the political action committee formed by moderate Conservatives and former Republicans. They criticize Trump’s business dealings, personal life, and even suggests that his children, particularly Ivanka Trump, harbor animosity toward him.
The Lincoln Project, self-identified as a “pro-democracy organization,” seeks to prevent Trump’s return to the White House in 2024. Notably, the video concludes with a disclaimer, indicating that it was “largely or entirely created using artificial intelligence” and contains content depicting “speech or conduct that did not occur.”
This disclaimer is in contrast to an earlier AI-generated video by Republican candidate and Florida governor Ron DeSantis, featuring a fabricated scenario of Trump embracing Anthony Fauci. Unlike The Lincoln Project’s responsible approach, DeSantis’s video lacked a disclaimer highlighting its artificial nature. The prevalence of such manipulated content raises concerns about its impact on public perception and the democratic process leading up to the 2024 elections.
AI is increasingly employed for election misinformation, as seen in robocalls impersonating President Joe Biden, prompting the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ban AI-generated voices in such calls. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the crackdown on fraudsters and the empowerment of State Attorneys General to combat scams.
