AI-Generated Trump Voice Featured with Permission in New Fannie Mae Ad
The recent Fannie Mae advertisement features an AI-generated voice that mimics former President Donald Trump. The use of this technology was sanctioned by the Trump administration, as noted in the video’s disclaimer. This marketing campaign positions Fannie Mae as the “protector of the American Dream” during a time when affordable housing is a pressing concern for many Americans.
Background on the Ad
The ad promotes an initiative aimed at making home ownership more accessible. It coincides with Trump’s ongoing efforts to address public worries regarding housing affordability. The former president is expected to discuss housing issues further at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where global business leaders congregate this week.
AI Voice Technology in Use
This is not the first instance of voice replication within the Trump family. Recently, First Lady Melania Trump also utilized AI technology through Eleven Labs for her memoir’s audio version. However, there is currently no information on which tech firm created the AI voice for this latest ad.
Trump’s Housing Reform Commitment
- In a recent address, Trump vowed to implement “some of the most aggressive housing reform plans in American history.”
- His AI-narrated message emphasizes that traditional home ownership is becoming unattainable for many Americans.
In the one-minute ad aired on Sunday, Trump’s digitized voice stated, “For generations, home ownership meant security, independence, and stability. But today, that dream feels out of reach for too many Americans not because they stopped working hard but because the system stopped working for them.”
Fannie Mae’s Role
Fannie Mae, along with its counterpart Freddie Mac, plays a crucial role in the U.S. mortgage market. Since the Great Recession, these companies have been under government oversight, purchasing qualifying mortgages from banks. Together, they guarantee roughly half of the $13 trillion U.S. home loan market.
Future Plans for Fannie Mae
The advertisement suggests Fannie Mae’s intention to collaborate with the banking sector to assist more potential homebuyers. In addition, Trump and Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, are reportedly interested in taking Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public. However, specific plans for this initiative have yet to be established.
Proposed Changes to Mortgages
Additionally, ideas to extend the traditional 30-year mortgage to a 50-year term have been discussed to lower monthly payments. This proposal has faced criticism, as detractors argue it would hinder home equity growth. Trump also mentioned directing the federal government to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds to help alleviate rising mortgage rates amidst concerns about home prices.
Concerns about Institutional Investors
Trump expressed his desire to prevent large institutional investors from purchasing homes, which he believes would facilitate first-time homebuyers, particularly younger families. This initiative reflects his focus on making housing more attainable for those entering the market.
The allowance of AI voice replication presents a unique contrast to Trump’s previous criticisms of technological duplications, such as the use of autopen by the current administration. While there have been allegations regarding its unauthorized use, a report from House Republicans fails to substantiate these claims.
