An AI-cloned voice, identified as that of former President Donald Trump, narrated a recent Fannie Mae advertisement. The video included a disclaimer indicating the voice was AI-generated from text, with permission from the Trump administration.
The advertisement presents an “all new Fannie Mae” as the “protector of the American Dream” and states that Fannie Mae will collaborate with the banking industry to approve more prospective homebuyers for mortgages.
This ad coincides with the administration's efforts to address concerns about housing affordability. Former President Trump is scheduled to discuss housing at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Previously, former First Lady Melania Trump utilized AI technology from Eleven Labs for the audio version of her memoir.
Former President Trump has previously pledged to implement significant housing reform plans, emphasizing that homeownership should remain secure and accessible.
Fannie Mae and its counterpart, Freddie Mac, have been under government control since the Great Recession. They acquire mortgages from banks that meet their risk criteria, thereby providing liquidity to the housing market and guaranteeing approximately half of the $13 trillion U.S. home loan market.
Proposals from former President Trump and Federal Housing Finance Agency head Bill Pulte have included selling shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on a major stock exchange.
Discussions also involved extending the 30-year mortgage to 50 years to lower monthly payments, though former President Trump reportedly reconsidered this proposal following criticism about its potential impact on housing equity.
Earlier this month, former President Trump announced a directive for the federal government to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds, utilizing cash from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, with the goal of reducing mortgage rates.
He also proposed blocking large institutional investors from buying houses to make it easier for families to purchase their first homes.
The use of AI for former President Trump's voice in the ad occurred despite his past criticisms concerning the use of autopen for signatures in other administrations.