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January 16, 2026

Science Democrats Slam Musk for Grok's Creation of Illicit Images

(Washington, DC) – Today, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Science Committee Democrats sent a letter to Elon Musk demanding answers as to why Musk permitted Grok, a generative AI tool created and controlled by Musk, to create and disseminate nonconsensual sexualized photos of women and children. The Grok AI model has created thousands of images that constitute revenge porn and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) viewable and sharable by anyone. Countries such as the United Kingdom have taken steps to hold Musk accountable, while the Trump administration has remained silent on this issue.

Since Wednesday's hearing, X changed its policy to no longer allow the creation of CSAM by Grok on the platform. However, there is no indication that this block includes content generated through the Grok app.

“Your response to this crisis seems unserious,” the Members wrote in their letter. “The nonconsensual intimate imagery and child sexual abuse material generated was of great concern, but you jokingly requested an image of yourself in a bikini.”

“You finally responded by implementing a policy change – only paid subscribers now have access to Grok’s image generation feature,” the Members continued. “While pedophiles could previously conjure up these images for free, you have now monetized this feature and will be collecting three dollars monthly from depraved individuals who choose to subscribe. Creating a revenue stream for child pornography is not a legitimate attempt to address this moral abomination. Also, there are easy workarounds for those looking to create disgusting images without the price tag.”

The letter was signed by Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH), Rep. Gabe Amo (D-RI), Rep. Luz Rivas (D-CA), Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA), Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL), and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA).

Read the letter here.