Deepfakes Pose National Security Risk: Rep. Krishnamoorthi Seeks Answers from State Department

Strategic Insights -

Recent reports suggest that the State Department is warning U.S. diplomats of attempts to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio using AI-generated deepfakes. This incident highlights the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party's misuse of deepfake and other generative AI technologies. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party, has written a letter to Secretary Rubio requesting answers about the incident and the State Department's efforts to prevent AI-enabled impersonations of senior officials.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Krishnamoorthi has requested answers from the State Department about an incident in which an AI-generated deepfake impersonated Secretary Rubio, contacting at least three foreign ministers, a U.S. senator, and a governor.
  • The incident highlights the risk of deepfakes being used to harm national security, including creating fake diplomatic incidents and distorting decision-making during times of conflict.
  • The State Department is aware of the incident and is currently investigating the matter.
  • Rep. Krishnamoorthi is concerned about the CCP's efforts to dominate artificial intelligence and plans to further investigate the incident.
  • The incident is not the first concern raised by Rep. Krishnamoorthi, who has been warning about the risks of deepfakes since 2019.
  • In his letter, Rep. Krishnamoorthi requests answers to six specific questions about the incident and the State Department's efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Statistics:

  • At least three foreign ministers, a U.S. senator, and a governor have been contacted by an AI-generated deepfake impersonating Secretary Rubio.
  • The State Department has discovered an incident involving the impersonation of Secretary Rubio using AI technology.
  • According to testimony from Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Congress has held at least one hearing on the risks of deepfakes, specifically in March 2025.
  • A screenshot of "Deepfake Raja" was shared by Rep. Krishnamoorthi during a hearing, illustrating the potential dangers of deepfakes being used to impersonate senior leaders.
  • The first federal statute on deepfakes was enacted in 2019, requiring the U.S. Government to assess the risks posed by machine-manipulated media.

Sources:

  • DemocraticSelect Committee on the CCP, "Krishnamoorthi Seeks Answers from State Department on AI Deepfake Targeting Secretary Rubio" (July 14, 2025)
  • Matthew Lee, "Imposter uses AI to impersonate Rubio and contact foreign and US officials," The Washington Post, 7/8/2025.
  • Anthony Kimery, "AI voice deepfake of U.S. Secretary of State triggers global security alert," Biometric Update, 7/8/2025
  • Edward Wong, "Marco Rubio Impersonation Under State Dept. Investigation," The New York Times, 7/8/2025
  • David Dorfman, "Decoding Deepfakes: How Do Lawyers Adapt When Seeing Isn't Always Believing?" Oregon State Bar Bulletin, pg. 18-24, 4/2020.
  • 50 U.S.C. Sec.Sec.3369a.