**Viral News Snippet:**

Viral News Snippet: “Solicitor General Caught in AI-Generated Hoax – Did She Actually Say ‘Judges Are Optional’?”

Fact Check: FAKE

A clip allegedly showing U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar telling a Senate committee that “federal judges are optional in cases involving national security” has exploded across social media, amassing over 2 million views on X and TikTok. The video features a distorted voice and blurred background, with the line appearing in a dramatic, synthesized tone.

The Truth: The audio was generated using a voice-cloning AI tool, and the original footage (from a 2023 budget hearing) shows Prelogar saying: “Federal judges play a critical role in reviewing national security decisions under existing law.” No such statement about judges being “optional” was ever made. The manipulated clip was originally posted by a parody account, but was then re-shared by several political influencers without context.

Bottom line: This is a textbook deepfake. The Solicitor General’s office has confirmed the video is doctored, and both the FBI and the House Judiciary Committee have been alerted. Always cross-check explosive claims with primary sources or official transcripts.