We bring you breaking developments out of Washington the U.S. State Department has launched an investigation into a high-tech impersonation plot involving artificial intelligence and one of the nation’s top diplomats.
According to senior officials, an unknown actor used advanced AI tools to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sending messages that mimicked both his voice and writing style. The digital impersonator reportedly contacted multiple government leaders, including three foreign ministers, a U.S. governor, and a sitting member of Congress — via the encrypted messaging app Signal.
The sophisticated ruse is believed to have started in mid-June, when the impersonator created a Signal account under the display name Marco.Rubio@state.gov — a deceptive but fake identity not linked to the Secretary’s official government email.
SNEWS TV has learned that the impersonator left voicemails and sent direct messages to officials, even inviting some to continue communications through Signal. While the effort to deceive appears to have ultimately failed, it has raised serious concerns about the growing misuse of artificial intelligence in government and diplomacy.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the investigation, telling reporters, “The department takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard its information and is taking active steps to address this matter.”
When asked about Secretary Rubio’s response, Bruce said she would not characterize his reaction but assured the public that Rubio is known for being transparent and direct, hinting that he may address the issue personally in the near future.
The impersonation attempt has been described by U.S. officials as “not very sophisticated,” yet it highlights a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, where artificial intelligence is increasingly being weaponized to mislead and manipulate.
The motive behind the AI-powered scheme is still under investigation. However, the State Department believes the effort may have been an attempt to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or accounts through deception.
As authorities work to identify the source of the impersonation, cybersecurity experts warn that AI-generated deepfakes once considered a distant threat — are now a present and growing danger, especially within the highest levels of global governance.
We will continue following this story as it develops and bring you the latest right here on SNEWS TV.
Reporting by Katy Moore.
