Elon Musk’s PAC: Pushing for Trump’s 2024 Presidential Campaign

Tech Executives and Social Media Blitz

Tesla boss Elon Musk, along with other tech executives, is funding a significant social media ad campaign to support Donald Trump’s presidential bid. The ads coincide with Musk using his social media platform, X, to back the Republican nominee over Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumed Democratic nominee.

Targeted Ads in Swing States

Musk’s America PAC is gathering data in key swing states that could influence the 2024 election outcome. For instance, if a voter in Michigan searches on Google, they might encounter a startling ad. The ad depicts a young man receiving a text urging him to vote, followed by a video of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The video, showing Trump being rushed off stage with blood on his face, prompts the viewer to ask, “This is out of control. How do I start?” The ad then directs the viewer to the America PAC website.

Data Collection Tactics

The America PAC website encourages visitors to register to vote. However, the process varies by state. In non-competitive states like California or Wyoming, users are quickly directed to a voter registration page. In battleground states like Pennsylvania or Georgia, users are instead asked for detailed personal information before being shown a “thank you” page, without actual voter registration assistance. This tactic helps the PAC collect valuable personal data without providing the promised voter registration help.

PAC’s Influence and Spending

The America PAC, backed by Musk, has spent over $800,000 since July on digital ads targeting voters in crucial battleground states. These ads appear on Facebook, Instagram, and Google, encouraging voter registration through the PAC’s website. The collected data is then used for door-to-door canvassing to support Trump, leveraging the detailed personal information gathered from potential voters.

Regulatory Loopholes and Coordination

A recent Federal Election Commission ruling allows PACs to coordinate door-to-door canvassing with presidential campaigns, which America PAC is exploiting. This coordination ensures the PAC’s efforts align with the Trump campaign’s strategy, maximizing their impact. The PAC’s activities are guided by seasoned Republican strategists Phil Cox, Generra Peck, and Dave Rexrode, suggesting a potential shift in tactics as the election approaches.

Tech Executives’ Support

The America PAC raised over $8 million between April and June, with contributions from investors like Doug Leone and the Winklevoss twins, and companies run by venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale. Lonsdale, a co-founder of Palantir, is also a leader of the PAC and a political confidant to Musk. Although Musk has hinted at donating, his contributions will only be disclosed in the PAC’s next filing due in October.

Musk’s Dual Role

Elon Musk’s ownership of X, combined with his political action committee, positions him as a significant force in the presidential election. The PAC’s social media ads echo Musk’s frequent posts on X, portraying America in chaos and advocating for Trump as the solution. Experts express concerns over Musk’s partisan use of his platform, warning of potential negative social and political consequences.

Political Implications

Daniel Weiner of the Brennan Center and Matthew Baum from Harvard Kennedy School highlight the risks of Musk’s control over X and his political motivations. The lack of guardrails around Musk’s use of the platform raises concerns about its potential weaponization to support Trump. The unprecedented involvement of a tech billionaire in political campaigning underscores the evolving landscape of electoral influence and the power of social media in shaping public opinion.