Elon Musk-funded Super PAC Spreads Misleading Pro-Harris Ads

Unpacking Recent Political Ads in Swing States

If you’re a swing state voter, you may have encountered ads claiming that Vice President Kamala Harris is proposing a mandatory gun buyback program and making it easier for undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. These ads, which appear to support Harris, are actually part of a campaign called Progress 2025, funded by a pro-Trump Super PAC, Building America’s Future, backed by billionaire Elon Musk.

The Nature of Building America’s Future

Building America’s Future is ramping up its advertising efforts targeting undecided voters in key swing states. According to 404 Media, this PAC has invested over $300,000 in a series of targeted Facebook ads that reach a whopping 819 unique audience segments.

Highlighted Campaign Themes

Among the ads, one challenges viewers to "imagine a world where the American Dream has no borders," while another boldly claims that Harris "wasn’t just a supporter of the Green New Deal" and foresees a future devoid of gas-powered vehicles.

Controversial Messaging and Targeting

The ads often exaggerate or misinterpret Harris’s positions on contentious issues like immigration. Internal documents from OpenSecrets reveal that Building America’s Future registered the name Project 2028 in late September to further its political objectives. Furthermore, discrepancies in the ads aimed at different demographic groups highlight potential contradictions in messaging strategies.

Ads Targeting Different Demographics

For instance, an ad aimed at Muslim and Arab voters in Michigan portrayed Harris as a staunch ally of Israel, noting that her husband, Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, serves as one of her advisors. Conversely, an ad meant for Jewish voters in Pennsylvania labeled her as a "two-faced" politician who allegedly stands with Palestine over Israel.

Elon Musk’s Influence on Political Landscape

Progress 2028 exemplifies Musk's strategic manipulation of his wealth to shape the presidential election narrative, particularly in battleground regions. Musk’s America PAC has taken an unconventional approach by distributing $1 million checks to randomly chosen swing state voters, a tactic experts claim could be illegal under campaign finance laws.

Legal Concerns and Public Reactions

Musk himself personally handed out the first checks during a pro-Trump rally in Pennsylvania, disregarding warnings from the Department of Justice regarding the potential illegality of such lotteries. The situation has further complicated with a lawsuit filed by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, aiming to put checks on these financial maneuvers.

Conclusion: Navigating the Political Ads Landscape

As a swing state voter, being informed about the intentions and funding behind political ads is crucial. The involvement of influential figures and the tactics employed may reshape voter perceptions and decisions in the approaching election cycle. Stay vigilant and critically assess the information presented in political advertising.