FBI Director Patel Accused of Using AI to Copy Beastie Boys Video
FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly posted an AI-generated video promoting anti-fraud efforts that NPR said contained frame-by-frame recreations of shots from the Beastie Boys' 1994 'Sabotage' music video, with visible AI generation artifacts. Neither the Beastie Boys nor the FBI responded to requests for comment on the alleged unauthorized use of the copyrighted material.
What happened
FBI Director Kash Patel posted a video on X on May 5, 2026, promoting the Trump administration's anti-fraud efforts, with clips showing FBI personnel and uncredited news reports discussing fraud cases, set to the Beastie Boys' 'Sabotage' song.
NPR reported on May 5, 2026, that analysis showed at least six clips in the video were frame-by-frame recreations of shots from the iconic 1994 'Sabotage' music video directed by Spike Jonze, with AI-generated alterations such as missing grilles in car windows and telephone lines appearing to pass through a character's head.
Reported impact
Neither representatives for the Beastie Boys nor the FBI responded to NPR's requests for comment regarding the alleged unauthorized use of the 'Sabotage' video content.
Index analysis
A Bellingcat researcher confirmed it is 'highly likely' the video is AI-generated, noting visible AI errors in the footage.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.