Story perspectives

Judge Allows Reposting of Controversial ChatGPT Deposition Videos

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Manhattan federal judge ruled that Department of Government Efficiency deposition videos may be reposted online.
The nearly 25-hour depositions show Justin Fox and Nate Cavanaugh used ChatGPT to filter grants against U.S. President Donald Trump's diversity-programs executive order.
The videos were initially removed for harassment complaints but were restored by scholarly groups suing the National Endowment for the Humanities over funding cuts; clips have gained traction online.

History

Historical Context

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), established in 1965, faced a 40% budget cut in 2017, prompting backlash from scholars and organizations like the American Historical Association. This funding reduction reflects ongoing debates about government support for the humanities and academic freedom, particularly as public interest in transparency and digital discourse around federal policies continues to grow.

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Story summary

A Manhattan federal judge ruled that Department of Government Efficiency deposition videos may be reposted online.
The nearly 25-hour depositions show Justin Fox and Nate Cavanaugh used ChatGPT to filter grants against U.S. President Donald Trump's diversity-programs executive order.
The videos were initially removed for harassment complaints but were restored by scholarly groups suing the National Endowment for the Humanities over funding cuts; clips have gained traction online.

1 / 2