Consultant on trial for AI-generated robocalls impersonating Biden to suppress voters
Political consultant Steven Kramer went to trial in New Hampshire in June 2025 for orchestrating AI-generated robocalls mimicking President Biden before the 2024 primary, which falsely suggested voting in the primary would prevent voters from casting November ballots. Kramer admitted to the calls but claimed his intent was to highlight AI risks rather than suppress votes. He faces multiple felony charges and a $6 million FCC fine.
What happened
Political consultant Steven Kramer orchestrated AI-generated robocalls sent to thousands of voters two days before New Hampshire's Jan. 23, 2024, presidential primary. The message played an AI-generated voice mimicking President Joe Biden using his catchphrase 'What a bunch of malarkey,' stating 'It's important that you save your vote for the November election. Your votes make a difference in November, not this Tuesday.' This suggested voting in the primary would prevent voters from casting ballots in November.
Kramer paid a New Orleans magician $150 to create the recording. He has admitted orchestrating the message and stated his intent was to highlight dangers of AI technology, saying 'Maybe I'm a villain today, but I think in the end we get a better country and better democracy because of what I've done, deliberately.'
Reported impact
Prosecutors alleged the robocalls constituted a brazen attack on the integrity of the 2024 New Hampshire presidential primary election. Kramer faces 11 felonies and 11 misdemeanors for voter suppression and impersonating a candidate, with potential decades in prison if convicted, and a $6 million FCC fine.
Index analysis
The case raises questions about AI-generated synthetic media, specifically voice cloning technology used to impersonate a political figure at scale. The incident demonstrates how AI voice generation can be weaponized to spread election disinformation and suppress voter participation through false claims about ballot eligibility.
Governance controls
Prosecutors sought to prevent Kramer from arguing the primary was unsanctioned and thus meaningless, but Judge Elizabeth Leonard denied the motion in March, allowing evidence about the Democratic National Committee's actions regarding New Hampshire's primary status.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.