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Trump’s AI-Generated Voice Stars in New Fannie Mae Advertisement
An advertisement for Fannie Mae featuring what sounds like President Donald Trump’s voice is actually an AI-generated clone reading a script, according to a disclaimer included in the video. The advertisement, created with permission from the Trump administration, promotes an “all new Fannie Mae” and positions the institution as the “protector of the American Dream.”
The timing of this advertisement aligns with the administration’s broader push to address voter concerns about housing affordability, a topic Trump plans to discuss during his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week.
This isn’t the first instance of AI voice technology being used by the Trump family. First Lady Melania Trump recently employed AI firm ElevenLabs to create the audio version of her memoir. However, ElevenLabs has confirmed to The Associated Press that they were not responsible for generating the President’s voice in the Fannie Mae advertisement. The White House has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
In the one-minute advertisement aired Sunday, Trump’s AI-cloned voice speaks to housing challenges facing Americans: “For generations, home ownership meant security, independence, and stability. But today, that dream feels out of reach for too many Americans not because they stopped working hard but because the system stopped working for them.”
The ad outlines plans for Fannie Mae to collaborate with the banking industry to approve more potential homebuyers for mortgages, addressing a key concern in the current housing market where affordability has become increasingly problematic.
Fannie Mae and its counterpart Freddie Mac play crucial roles in the U.S. housing market. Both institutions have been under government control since the 2008 financial crisis and together guarantee approximately half of the $13 trillion U.S. home loan market, making them fundamental components of the American economy.
The Trump administration has signaled interest in several major housing market reforms. Trump and Bill Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, have discussed plans to sell shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on major stock exchanges, though specific details remain undeveloped.
Another proposal floated by the administration involves extending the traditional 30-year mortgage to a 50-year term to lower monthly payments. However, Trump appears to have distanced himself from this idea after critics pointed out that longer-term loans would reduce homeowners’ ability to build equity and wealth.
Earlier this month, Trump announced on social media his intention to direct the federal government to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds, utilizing cash reserves from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. According to Trump, this move would help reduce mortgage rates at a time when Americans are increasingly concerned about rising home prices.
The administration has also proposed blocking large institutional investors from purchasing residential properties, arguing that such a ban would make it easier for younger families to enter the housing market and purchase their first homes.
Trump’s willingness to allow AI replication of his voice comes as an interesting development, particularly given his previous complaints about Biden administration aides allegedly using autopen technology to apply his signature to official documents. However, a report issued by House Republicans provides no substantial evidence that an autopen was used to sign Biden’s name without his knowledge.
The use of AI voice technology in political and governmental communications raises questions about authenticity and transparency in public messaging, even as the technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
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6 Comments
Fannie Mae is trying to position itself as the ‘protector of the American Dream’ by using an AI-clone of Trump’s voice. I’m curious to see if this strategy resonates with voters and helps address housing affordability concerns. Effective use of technology, but transparency is key.
This seems like a creative approach to feature Trump’s voice, but I hope they are transparent about it being AI-generated. The public should be aware when AI is being used in this way, even with permission. It raises interesting questions about authenticity in advertising.
This Fannie Mae ad featuring an AI-generated Trump voice is an interesting experiment. I’m curious to see if it will be effective in reaching voters and addressing housing issues, or if it will come across as a gimmick. The use of this technology bears watching.
Interesting use of AI voice technology in this Fannie Mae ad. I wonder if it will become more common for public figures to lend their voice to ads and campaigns in this way, with their approval. Curious to see how the public reacts to AI-generated voices in marketing.
Leveraging an AI-clone of Trump’s voice in a Fannie Mae ad is a unique approach. It will be intriguing to see if it helps the mortgage lender connect with the public and convey their message effectively. Transparency around the use of this technology will be key.
Using an AI-generated Trump voice in a Fannie Mae ad is a bold move. I wonder if it will come across as genuine or if people will be put off by the artificial nature of it. Curious to see how this plays out and if it impacts perceptions of the mortgage lender.