In Michigan, an unexpected Google ad may catch voters off guard. The ad depicts a young man in bed, jolted awake by a text urging him to vote. The accompanying video shows the chaotic scene of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, with gunshots and screams echoing in the background.
Unnoticed, Musk and friends launched a superPAC last Spring.
It has now been noticed.
“America PAC has drawn attention from Mr. Trump’s team, in part because of Mr. Musk’s involvement, and is planning on striking a data-sharing agreement to coordinate with the Trump campaign… pic.twitter.com/FFV4KGGm5z
— Just Human (@realjusthuman) August 1, 2024
As Trump is rushed off stage, bloodied and frantic, the man types back, “This is out of control. How do I start?” The ad then directs him to a website for a group called America PAC.
The website promises to help users register to vote, but the experience varies dramatically based on their location. In non-competitive states like California or Wyoming, users are quickly redirected to their state’s voter registration page after providing their email and ZIP code. However, in battleground states such as Pennsylvania or Georgia, users face a different process.
These users are asked to fill out an extensive personal information form, including their address, cellphone number, and age. Even after submitting this data, they are not taken to a voter registration page but rather a “thank you” page. This process effectively collects valuable personal data for America PAC without actually assisting with voter registration.
On the other hand, on Musk’s America PAC website if I enter my zip code as a non-competitive state like Tennessee…
Unlike for Michigan, I am not shown a form requesting detailed personal information.
Instead, I am instantly offered to the Tennessee state official form pic.twitter.com/bluLYHmo5V
— John Scott-Railton (@jsrailton) August 2, 2024
America PAC, created by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, aims to bolster Trump’s campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris. “I have created a PAC, or a super PAC… the America PAC,” Musk revealed in a recent interview. With Musk’s ownership of the social media platform X and a net worth of over $235 billion, his influence in the upcoming election is unprecedented.
Since early July, America PAC has spent over $800,000 on digital ads targeting voters in key battleground states. These ads appear on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google, often encouraging voter registration through America PAC’s website.
Brendan Fischer from campaign finance watchdog Documented explained that the data collected is crucial for America PAC’s strategy. “The voter data gathered through these digital appeals will inform America PAC’s canvassing and other political activities,” he said. Fischer noted that the PAC’s privacy policy allows the use of collected data for various activities and fundraising campaigns.
Elon Musk explains America PAC, the political action committee he created to support meritocracy and freedom in America: “The intent is to promote the principles that made America great in the first place.” pic.twitter.com/inCz5mhNuO
— ELON DOCS (@elon_docs) July 26, 2024
Since June, America PAC has invested over $21 million in canvassing, digital media, text messaging, and phone calls, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The PAC’s website does not disclose its political leanings, but federal filings confirm its efforts are designed to support Trump or oppose his opponents.
America PAC’s unique approach, backed by Musk and other tech moguls, sets it apart. The PAC raised over $8 million between April and June, with contributions from notable investors like Doug Leone and the Winklevoss twins. Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir, also plays a significant role in the PAC and serves as a political confidant to Musk.
Regulatory rulings allow the PAC to coordinate its door-to-door canvassing with the Trump campaign, enhancing its effectiveness. “Coordination ensures the PAC’s activities are maximally beneficial to the campaign,” Fischer explained, highlighting the strategic advantage this provides.
Major Points
- Google ad in Michigan shows disturbing video of Trump assassination attempt to prompt voter registration.
- Ad directs users to America PAC website, created by Elon Musk, promising to help register to vote.
- Users in non-competitive states are redirected to state registration pages; battleground state users face extensive data collection forms.
- America PAC collects personal data without facilitating voter registration, aiming to support Trump’s campaign.
- The PAC, heavily funded and backed by notable tech investors, uses collected data for targeted political activities and canvassing.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News