Republicans use deepfake video of Chuck Schumer in new attack ad

Deepfakes are being increasingly used by Republicans as a tool for attacking Democrats, and the latest example is a disturbing new attack ad featuring an artificially generated video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The ad, posted on social media by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, depicts Schumer repeating a phrase in reference to the ongoing government shutdown - "every day gets better for us." However, this quote itself is real and has been reported by Punchbowl News. In an interview, Schumer explained that Democrats had prepared their healthcare-focused shutdown strategy well in advance, claiming that Republicans were trying to threaten them.

So why did the NRSC choose to manufacture synthetic video of Schumer speaking? Rather than simply quoting his words, the ad uses a deepfake AI-generated version of Schumer's face and voice to make him say something completely different. The resulting ad is creepy and disorienting, with the narrator claiming that Schumer thinks playing with Americans' livelihoods is just a game.

The NRSC has defended its use of deepfakes, saying that "AI is here and not going anywhere" and advising opponents to "adapt & win or pearl clutch & lose." However, critics are warning that this kind of tactic can erode trust in democratic institutions and undermine the integrity of public discourse.

This latest example of a deepfake attack ad comes weeks after former President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video of Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries making false statements about immigration and voter fraud. In 2023, the Republican National Committee also released an AI-generated attack ad that imagined an apocalyptic future should Biden win a second term.

As the use of deepfakes becomes more widespread in politics, concerns are growing about their potential to manipulate public opinion and spread misinformation. With deepfakes becoming increasingly sophisticated, it's essential for politicians, media outlets, and citizens alike to be aware of these tactics and take steps to verify the accuracy of information.

omg is this some kinda real-life "The Social Network" plot where they manipulate people's words and faces to spread hate? idk about the NRSC but using AI-generated deepfakes to attack ppl is low. it's like they're trying to create a fake alternate reality where Schumer says all these messed up things. and what's with the "every day gets better for us" quote being real though lol. anyway, gotta give props to Schumer for staying chill about this whole thing and I'm glad there are ppl warning about the dangers of deepfakes. we need to be more careful about what we consume online 'cause it can be super misleading

ugh this is getting out of hand , can't we just have a normal debate without trying to manipulate people with fake videos?! i mean come on Republicans, if you want to make a point, be honest and direct, don't try to trick ppl's minds... it's just so disingenuous , and Schumer is getting roasted for saying something he actually said , meanwhile the NRSC is like "oh it's not a big deal" but trust me it IS a big deal it's not about winning or losing, it's about respecting ppl's intelligence and the truth... can we please just focus on having real conversations instead of fake ones?

The proliferation of deepfake technology is having a significant impact on the democratic discourse in the US, and I'm concerned that its use as a tool for disinformation campaigns will only continue to grow . The fact that Republicans are leveraging AI-generated videos to manipulate public opinion is a worrying trend, especially when it comes to undermining trust in institutions like the Senate . The NRSC's defense of deepfakes as an inevitable aspect of modern politics rings hollow, and I worry that this kind of tactic will erode the integrity of our public discourse . It's crucial for all stakeholders to be aware of these tactics and take steps to verify the accuracy of information .

this is getting outta hand - I mean, i get that politics can be messy, but using AI-generated videos to make your opponent look like a total fool? that's just low... Schumer's words are real, and it's not cool that the NRSC decided to mess with them. And what's next? gonna start putting these deepfakes in news clips or something?

omg this is getting crazy - republicans are basically saying its okay to mess with our minds on social media and no one can fact check - like who uses AI generated fake videos in ads now? its like something out of a movie - but seriously though, deepfakes are not just a prank anymore, they're being used for real political gain and thats a problem

omg i'm so freaked out by this latest deepfake ad from the NRSC like what is wrong with them?! can't they just leave Chuck Schumer alone? and btw, it's not cool that they're using AI-generated videos to make Schumer say stuff he never said . i mean, yes Schumer did say "every day gets better for us" in real life but who cares about that when you're trying to manipulate people's emotions with a creepy fake video? and seriously, how can the NRSC defend this kind of tactic? like, they know it's misleading and it's not even subtle anymore . we need stricter regulations on deepfakes in politics ASAP

omg this is soooo concerning like seriously can't they just leave schumer alone?? i mean i know he's a dem and all but deepfakes are just another way for ppl to play dirty tricks on each other... or worse, on their own gullible followers the fact that nrsc is using this tactic as a way to "adapt & win" is like they think people are stupid it's not going to work and it's actually just gonna make ppl more skeptical of politics altogether

OMG like what is going on with these deepfake ads!!! they're getting more and more crazy! AI-generated Schumer making a totally different quote in this ad is just creepy lol. I mean, I get that it's all about trying to sway public opinion but do we really need to resort to manipulating people's perceptions? Can't we just stick to facts? it's like they're saying the truth doesn't matter anymore... anyway, gotta stay vigilant and fact-check everything from now on!