AI Deepfake Impersonates U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Global Hoax, State Department Launches Investigation
In a disturbing escalation of cyber-enabled deception, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was impersonated by an unknown actor using artificial intelligence to mimic his voice in communications with both American and foreign officials, according to a Washington Post report.
The sophisticated deepfake operation reportedly occurred in June 2025, when the perpetrators created a fraudulent Signal messaging account under the address “Marco.Rubio@state.gov.” Using this false identity, they reached out to a U.S. state governor, a member of Congress, and three foreign ministers, successfully imitating Rubio’s voice in calls and sending text messages as part of the elaborate scheme.
The scope and audacity of the impersonation have raised alarm within diplomatic and cybersecurity circles, particularly because the attackers managed to deceive high-level officials in multiple countries. While it remains unclear what the impersonator’s motives were—be it espionage, misinformation, or manipulation—the use of AI-generated voice technology signals a dangerous new frontier in political disinformation.
The U.S. State Department confirmed the incident and announced an active investigation, emphasizing that steps are being taken to prevent future occurrences. “We are treating this breach with utmost seriousness and are working with relevant agencies to ensure such malicious impersonations are not repeated,” a spokesperson stated.
The FBI declined to comment on whether it is formally involved in the probe. However, experts warn that this incident highlights the growing vulnerabilities presented by artificial intelligence in the realm of national security and international diplomacy.
This case is among the most high-profile examples of AI deepfakes penetrating the highest levels of government communication, raising urgent questions about verification protocols, digital identity, and the need for countermeasures against AI-enabled impersonation in public service.
