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Amidst ongoing government shutdown negotiations, the White House displayed racist deepfake videos mocking Democratic leaders, including fabricated audio of Chuck Schumer and a fake mustache/sombrero on Hakeem Jeffries. Vice President JD Vance dismissed criticism, calling the memes funny and a way to critique Democratic positions. The videos promote a false narrative about Democrats demanding subsidies for unauthorized immigrants, when they advocate for Affordable Care Act subsidies for Americans and restoration of health benefits for certain immigrants. Democrats have denounced the clips as racist and linked to dangerous conspiracy theories.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.