Fact Check: Political operative acquitted after creating fake Biden robocalls.

Published June 18, 2025

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# Fact Check: Political Operative Acquitted After Creating Fake Biden Robocalls ## What We Know On June 7, 2024, Steven Kramer, a political consultan...

Fact Check: Political Operative Acquitted After Creating Fake Biden Robocalls

What We Know

On June 7, 2024, Steven Kramer, a political consultant, was acquitted of charges related to creating artificial intelligence-generated robocalls that impersonated former President Joe Biden. These robocalls were sent to voters in New Hampshire just days before the state's presidential primary on January 23, 2024. The calls featured an AI-generated voice that mimicked Biden, suggesting that voters should "save your vote for the November election" and not participate in the primary, which prosecutors argued constituted voter suppression and impersonation of a candidate (AP News).

Kramer admitted to orchestrating the robocalls but claimed his intention was to raise awareness about the dangers of AI in political campaigning. He testified that he paid a magician $150 to create the recording, viewing it as a "wake-up call" regarding AI technology (AP News). Despite facing 11 felony charges for voter suppression and impersonation, a jury found him not guilty, agreeing with his defense that the primary was not a legitimate election and that he did not technically impersonate Biden since the calls did not explicitly name him as a candidate (NBC Boston).

Analysis

The acquittal of Steven Kramer raises significant questions about the implications of AI technology in political campaigns. The prosecution argued that Kramer's actions undermined the integrity of the electoral process, while his defense contended that the primary was a "meaningless straw poll" not sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) (AP News).

The jury's decision reflects a critical interpretation of both the law and the nature of the primary election. Kramer's argument that he did not impersonate Biden because the calls did not mention him by name is a pivotal point in the case. This suggests a potential loophole in election laws regarding candidate impersonation and raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing regulations in addressing AI-generated misinformation.

The sources reporting on this case, including reputable outlets like the Associated Press and NBC, provide a consistent narrative about the events and legal proceedings. However, the complexity of the legal arguments and the evolving nature of AI technology means that the implications of this case may extend beyond its immediate outcome. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also proposed a $6 million fine against Kramer for violating federal law by spoofing a local political figure's number, indicating that regulatory bodies are taking the issue seriously (NPR).

Conclusion

The claim that a political operative was acquitted after creating fake Biden robocalls is True. Steven Kramer was indeed acquitted of all charges related to voter suppression and impersonation following the creation and distribution of AI-generated robocalls that mimicked President Biden. The jury's decision underscores the complexities surrounding the legality of AI in political contexts and highlights the need for clearer regulations to address such emerging technologies.

Sources

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