Deepfake of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Raises National Security Fears

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An AI-generated impersonation of the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has raised significant security concerns in the United States. A similar incident involving President Donald Trump’s chief of staff was reported in May 2025, highlighting the growing risk that deepfake technology poses to national security. 

According to a cable sent last week to all embassies and consulates, an unidentified individual is said to have made use of deepfake technology to mimic Rubio’s voice and writing style, contacting at least five high-ranking officials, including foreign ministers, via Signal and voicemail. The aim is believed to have been gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or accounts.

Although the attempts were reportedly unsophisticated and unsuccessful, the Department of State emphasized the seriousness of the matter considering the risk of exposure of sensitive information.

This incident underscores the risks posed by increasingly advanced AI-generated deepfakes, which can convincingly mimic people’s voices, as well as their appearance and writing styles. This greatly damages trust and makes it difficult to distinguish authentic communications from fraudulent ones. 

The FBI has also warned of similar malicious campaigns impersonating high-level officials, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and robust security protocols. Experts highlight the ongoing “arms race” between AI developers and fraudsters, with calls for improved cybersecurity policies, legal frameworks, and media literacy to counter the growing threat.

This incident demonstrates how, as AI continues to advance, the potential for its abuse presents a significant challenge to global security.