Senate Republicans deepfaked Chuck Schumer, and X hasn’t taken it down 

Republicans in the Senate shared a deepfake video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer intended to make it appear as if Democrats are celebrating the ongoing 16-day government shutdown.

In the deepfake, an AI-generated Schumer repeats the phrase “every day gets better for us,” an actual quote from the context of a Punchbowl News article. In the original story, Schumer discussed Democrats’ health care-focused shutdown strategy, saying they would not retreat from Republicans’ playbook of threats and “bambooz.”[ling].”

The shutdown is happening because Democrats and Republicans are unable to pass a bill that would fund the government through October and beyond. Democrats are trying to preserve tax credits that would make health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans, reverse Trump’s Medicaid cuts and block cuts to health care institutions.

The video was posted on Friday to the Senate Republicans’ X account. According to X’s policy, the platform prohibits “deceptive sharing.”[ing] synthetic or manipulated media likely to cause harm.” Harmful content includes media that may “mislead people” or “cause significant confusion about public issues.”

Enforcement actions include removing content, tagging warnings, or reducing visibility. At the time of writing, X has not yet removed the deepfake or added a warning label – although the video does contain a watermark indicating its AI origin.

The Schumer video is not the first time that X has allowed deepfakes of politicians to remain on the platform. In late 2024, X owner Elon Musk shared a doctored video of former Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the election, sparking discussion about misleading voters.

TechCrunch has contacted X for comment.

Up to 28 states have passed laws banning deepfakes of political figures, particularly around campaigns and elections, although most do not ban them outright if there are clear revelations about them. California, Minnesota and Texas have banned deepfakes intended to influence elections, mislead voters or harm candidates.

The latest post comes weeks after President Donald Trump posted deepfakes on Truth Social, depicting Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries making false statements about immigration and voter fraud.

In response to criticism of the lack of honesty and ethics, Joanna Rodriguez, communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said: said: “AI is here and not going anywhere. Adapt and win or pearl clutch and lose.”