Politicians Use AI Deepfakes in Rival Attacks

Politicians deploy realistic AI deepfakes to attack rivals, raising defamatory concerns.

Oct 13, 2026

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Politicians Use AI Deepfakes in Rival Attacks

Politicians deploy realistic AI deepfakes to attack rivals, raising defamatory concerns.

In brief

Politicians deploy realistic AI deepfakes to attack rivals, raising defamatory concerns. Rebecca Cooke, a Wisconsin Democrat, threatens legal action against Rep. Derrick Van Orden after his AI-generated ads claim voters must comply with D.C. orders. Originally reported by Straight Arrow.

AI Deepfakes in Elections

As Democrats and Republicans navigate AI issues on the campaign trail, and in Washington, their campaigns spend thousands on it.

Politicians nationwide use artificial intelligence to create realistic deepfakes for political attacks.

Wisconsin Race Focus

James Talarico, the Texas Democratic Senate candidate, returned to the campaign trail on Friday after a recent absence sparked online conspiracy theories.

Rebecca Cooke, a Wisconsin Democrat, faces Rep. Derrick Van Orden in a race using ai-generated ads.

Van Orden's AI Ads

As the Federal Communications Commission moved to ban Chinese laboratories from testing smartphones and other consumer electronics intended for U.S. consumers,

Van Orden's ai deepfakes claim voters must comply with d.c. orders from 'anointed' figures.

“I am the anointed one, you will comply and you will vote for me. That is an order from your d.c. masters”

Cooke's Concerns

Cooke's Concerns

Cooke says the ads look real to voters and confuse them, threatening legal action for defamatory content.

First Amendment Defense

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop airing a series of TV ads paid for with taxpayer money after a watchdog group and other plaintiffs sued

Experts argue the ads are protected free speech because Van Orden has a history of outlandish social media posts.

Voter Responsibility

Voter Responsibility

Voters must remain diligent to spot fakes as they head to the polls for the upcoming elections.

Legal Challenge

Legal Challenge

Cooke threatens to take Van Orden to court over claims the ai deepfakes are defamatory.

First Amendment Context

A LinkedIn algorithm that prioritizes topic expertise could mean that political posts don’t show up in the feed.

Van Orden could argue the ads are satirical given his documented history of derogatory social media posts.

Next Steps

A Florida woman is facing a felony charge after using an AI chatbot, but legal experts doubt what she typed is a crime.

The legal battle over whether ai deepfakes are defamatory will determine their constitutional protection.

The big picture

Rebecca Cooke, a Wisconsin Democrat, threatens legal action against Rep. Derrick Van Orden after his AI-generated ads claim voters must comply with D.C. orders.

Read the original on Straight Arrow

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