GOP creates deepfake video of Schumer using AI
Senate Republicans released a campaign ad using AI-generated video to depict Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer saying words from a print interview, creating a deepfake with a small AI disclaimer. The ad drew criticism from media observers concerned about the use of synthetic media in political campaigns.
What happened
On October 17, 2025, the National Republican Senatorial Committee released a 30-second digital campaign ad featuring an AI-generated video of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer appearing to say on camera: 'Every day gets better for us.' The words were taken from an interview Schumer gave to Punchbowl News about the partial government shutdown.
The ad included a small disclaimer noting that AI was used to generate the video. NRSC spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez stated: 'These are Chuck Schumer's own words, and video is a way for voters to see and hear it themselves.' The ad also featured actual video of military service members at a food bank and ended with an AI-generated close-up of Schumer with a wide grin.
Reported impact
The ad drew criticism from media observers and commentators who questioned the use of deepfake technology in political campaigning. Washington Free Beacon's Jon Levine wrote: 'The Schumer bit is AI generated video—which is disclosed at bottom right corner—but we are at the doorstep of a terrifying new world.'
Index analysis
The NRSC justified using the quotes in a different format from how they were originally presented, portraying them as showing Schumer as insensitive to Americans hindered in obtaining government services. However, in the print interview, Schumer's full quote provided context about Democratic strategy in advance of the shutdown.
Governance controls
The video carried a small disclaimer in the corner indicating 'AI Generated' content, though observers noted this was insufficient to signal the manipulative nature of the presentation to viewers.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.