Federal Judge Bars Vermont Probe of Satirical AI Video Targeting State Candidates

In Poitras v. Clark, the federal court in Vermont rejected a civil investigative demand that sought details about an AI-generated video posted on June 7, 2026, which lampooned Rep. Becca Balint and her expected Republican opponent, Mark Coester. The video, uploaded by Henry L. Poitras via his Planet Hank social-media channels, shows Balint making exaggerated statements before being dropped into a dumpster by Coester using heavy machinery.

The Vermont Attorney General's office issued the demand under the state's newly enacted synthetic-media law, requiring disclosures for deceptive political content. Judge William Sessions concluded that the video’s overtly ridiculous presentation places it squarely within the satire exception, making the demand likely unconstitutional and an excessive burden on free expression. He noted that while protecting election integrity is a legitimate interest, it is outweighed in this case. Poitras is defended by Brady Toensing of Toensing LLP and Matthew D. Hardin of Hardin Law Office.