The National Republican Senatorial Committee posted an AI-generated video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The video shows a synthetic version of Schumer praising the government shutdown. According to The Hill, the quote is real but not used in the way the video depicts.
Video Content and Real Quote
The video on X shows an AI-generated Schumer saying „Every day gets better for us“ before he smiles. The clip then shows military members at food banks and flight control towers shutting down. Senator Ted Cruz appears later, claiming Democrats want the shutdown for free health care for immigrants. The video ends with a voiceover saying „The Schumer shutdown is making things worse across America, and Democrats love it.“
The Schumer quote comes from a Punchbowl News interview on Oct. 9. Schumer told the outlet his party planned ahead and knew health care would be the focus on Sept. 30. He said Democrats prepared for Republican threats and would not submit quickly.
Committee Defends Use of AI
Joanna Rodriguez works as communications director for the NRSC. She defended the video in an X post and wrote that AI is here to stay. She added that people must adapt and win or lose. Rodriguez also said Senate Democrats voted 10 times to keep the government closed. She listed impacts like missed pay, staff shortages, and benefits at risk.
Other AI Videos in Shutdown Fight
AI videos have appeared throughout the standoff between Democrats and Republicans. President Trump recently shared a faked AI video of Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The video showed Jeffries wearing a sombrero and handlebar mustache while Schumer made offensive comments about Democrats.
Jeffries called the video racist and told Trump to say it to his face when back in the Oval Office. On Saturday, the Department of Transportation shared an AI-generated drawing of Schumer and Jeffries wearing Disney princess dresses at Cinderella Castle. The White House official X account reshared the post.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has also used AI-generated images to mock the Trump administration. His press office shared images including one of Marie Antoinette with Trump’s face and another of Newsom with a Christopher Columbus statue. Both wore sunglasses in the second image.
