Politics
Texas man behind fake Biden robocall in New Hampshire: authorities
By Jake Beardslee · February 8, 2024
In brief…
- Authorities traced robocall imitating Biden to Texas man Walter Monk and his company Life Corporation
- Monk has long history with political robocalling companies that have worked for both parties
- Fake call sent to 20,000+ people in NH before primary, told Democrats not to vote
- Audio analysis shows call used AI tool ElevenLabs to mimic Biden's voice
The origin of a concerning AI-generated robocall imitating President Joe Biden that was sent to thousands of people in New Hampshire before the state’s primary has been traced back to Texas entrepreneur Walter Monk and his company Life Corporation, according to authorities.
The New Hampshire attorney general’s office stated that Monk is the “founding owner” of Life Corporation, which they accused of being behind the fake Biden call that officials worry signals a new level of disinformation ahead of the 2024 election, according to CNN. Authorities estimate over 20,000 people received the call, which urged Democrats not to vote.
Monk, 71, has run an array of companies involved in political robocalling for close to 20 years, records show. Federal Election Commission data indicates around 140 federal campaigns and political action committees have paid companies tied to Monk roughly $770,000 total since 2004.
According to authorities, Life Corporation utilized Texas-based provider Lingo Telecom to send the AI-generated call. Lingo suspended service to Life Corporation upon learning of the investigation. The fake audio was made using the AI voice tool ElevenLabs, analyses found.
Monk has said in past interviews he became interested in political polling after talking to a consultant at his son’s soccer game. He’s started diverse companies, from a Hawaiian fishing operation to a Minnesota beef jerky plant.