In a significant legal development, a political consultant from New Orleans was acquitted on charges related to AI-generated robocalls mimicking former President Joe Biden. Steven Kramer, 56, faced allegations of voter suppression and impersonating a candidate after orchestrating a message sent to thousands of New Hampshire voters ahead of the state’s Jan. 23, 2024, presidential primary.
The Allegations
The controversial robocalls used an AI-generated voice resembling Biden’s, complete with his trademark phrase, ‘What a bunch of malarkey.’ Prosecutors argued that the calls misled voters into believing that participating in the primary would prevent them from voting in the upcoming November election. The message emphasized, ‘It’s important that you save your vote for the November election. Your votes make a difference in November, not this Tuesday.’
Kramer’s Defense
Kramer admitted to commissioning the message, paying $150 to a New Orleans magician to create the recording. His defense centered around his intention to highlight the potential dangers of AI in politics. Concerned about the lack of regulations, Kramer saw the initiative as a New Year’s resolution to raise awareness.
During his testimony at Belknap County Superior Court, Kramer stated, ‘This is going to be my one good deed this year.’ He argued that the primary was an informal straw poll and not officially sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Therefore, he contended, New Hampshire’s voter suppression laws were inapplicable.
Legal Outcome
Jurors ultimately sided with Kramer, acquitting him of 11 felony voter suppression charges, each carrying up to seven years in prison. Additionally, he faced 11 charges of candidate impersonation, each with a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
Reaction and Implications
New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella stated, ‘Our commitment to enforcing election laws remains steadfast. We will continue to work diligently to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to protect the integrity of our elections.’
Despite his acquittal, Kramer confronts a $6 million fine imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He expressed his intention not to pay the fine, while Lingo Telecom, the company that transmitted the calls, agreed to a $1 million settlement in August.
Broader Context
The case highlights ongoing debates about AI’s role in political campaigns. Although several states have enacted regulations against AI deepfakes, recent legislative efforts in Congress have sought to restrict state and local regulation of AI for the next decade.
The FCC, which initially began developing AI-related rules during Donald Trump’s presidency, has shown indications of potentially relaxing regulations.
Moving Forward
The acquittal raises questions about the effectiveness of current laws in addressing the challenges AI presents to election integrity. As technology continues to evolve, the need for comprehensive regulations becomes increasingly apparent.
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Note: This article is inspired by content from https://wtop.com/national/2025/06/new-hampshire-jury-acquits-consultant-behind-ai-robocalls-mimicking-biden-on-all-charges/. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.