DeSantis-backed Super PAC targets Trump in Iowa with AI-generated Trump voice ad

The Super PAC, which supports Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential candidacy, “Never Back Down,” aired a new 30-second TV ad in Iowa with a voice imitating former President Donald Trump. there is It is aimed at defending Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican who is under attack from President Trump for refusing to endorse him in the Republican presidential primary.

“I gave Kim Reynolds the post of governor, and when she fell behind, I backed her, had a big rally, and she won! Now she wants to remain neutral,” a Trump-esque voice said on the spot. “I won’t invite her to the event.”

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The voice sounds stiff and somewhat robotic, like President Trump, but it’s not actually the voice of the former president, but rather an AI-generated one, a source familiar with the ad confirmed.

The voice speaks verbatim on Trump’s Truth social platform, but there is nothing in the ad to indicate that the voice is not Trump’s.

“Trump should fight Democrats, not Republicans,” admonishes the former president.

Unlike Trump, DeSantis has a more friendly relationship with fellow Republican governor Reynolds. At an informal press conference in Ankeny, Iowa, on Saturday, DeSantis said he would “definitely” consider choosing Reynolds as his running mate.

Afterwards, he said, “The number one thing people came up to me and shook their heads at was Donald Trump attacking Kim Reynolds. They couldn’t believe it. And these are the people who were going to stand by him, but now they’re not.’ So that’s not how we win. ”

first politician report in advertising. The ad is part of a seven-figure ad buy in Iowa, according to a Never Back Down release. The show will air on the same day that President Trump visits the state to attend City Hall in Cedar Rapids with Fox News’ Sean Hannity.

Senior Trump campaign adviser Chris Lasivita has lashed out at Never Back Down and PAC chief adviser Jeff Lowe.

In a statement to CBS News, Lasivita said, “The blatant use of AI to fabricate President Trump’s voice threatens the American public knowing that DeSanctimonias’ campaign is on life support. A desperate attempt by Always Back Down and Jeff Low to deceive.” He added, “After losing big donors and cutting staff, they are outsourcing their work to AI, just as they want to outsource US work to China.”

Finn Gomez

Finn Gomez is the political director of CBS News.