A political action committee (PAC), financially backed by billionaire Elon Musk and aimed at aiding the re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is encountering challenges in certain swing states. Reports from individuals involved in the group’s campaign indicate difficulties in achieving doorknocking targets, with investigations underway into allegations that some canvassers may have falsified numbers regarding voter contacts.
These challenges are particularly evident in crucial battleground states such as Wisconsin and Nevada, as America PAC intensifies efforts to rally voter support for the Republican candidate just two weeks ahead of the November 5 election. According to sources engaged in the outreach operations, managers have cautioned canvassers about failing to meet objectives and stressed the importance of increasing voter engagement.
Alysia McMillan, a former canvasser for the PAC in Wisconsin, indicated that field organizers recently reported to campaigners that they are not meeting daily targets and might fail to reach the ultimate goal of contacting 450,000 voters by Election Day. In a recorded meeting with canvassers held on October 8, reviewed by Reuters, a manager expressed concerns regarding the shortfall in their numbers.
McMillan, who knocked on doors for two local contractors hired by America PAC, stated that she is coming forward due to worries that a shortfall could endanger the former president’s chances of re-election. She revealed to Reuters that she was dismissed by one contractor following a pay dispute but was subsequently employed by another.
A canvassing manager in Arizona has issued similar warnings about meeting targets. Moreover, three individuals familiar with the outreach mentioned that Chris Young, an aide to Musk and a veteran Republican operative, recently visited Nevada to ascertain whether some workers might have inflated their doorknocking data. Another source indicated that America PAC is struggling to find enough personnel to conduct audits in other states.
An insider associated with America PAC’s operations refuted McMillan’s claim about a Wisconsin shortfall, asserting that the organization will achieve its goals. The insider also noted that senior operatives regularly visit field offices to assess performance.
Chris Young did not respond to requests for comment. America PAC’s efforts focus heavily on door-to-door campaigns intended to mobilize “low propensity voters” — individuals who might vote for Trump but could be deterred from voting — which is critical in battleground states where small variances in voter turnout could determine the outcome between Trump and Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris in what remains a tightly contested election.
Elon Musk, identified by Forbes as the world’s richest individual, has contributed at least $75 million to America PAC, according to federal disclosures, marking the organization as a significant component of Trump’s campaign strategy to reclaim the presidency. Musk, the entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, has increasingly aligned himself with Republican initiatives and voiced strong support for Trump, who has suggested appointing Musk to lead a government efficiency commission if re-elected. Musk did not respond to inquiries for comment, and a spokesperson for the Trump campaign also declined to comment.
Despite the substantial financial backing, America PAC’s outreach efforts have been reportedly disorganized, according to individuals familiar with the campaign’s inner workings. The PAC, like many campaign operations, has contracted companies to pursue grass-roots initiatives, relying heavily on hourly workers to canvass neighborhoods and directly engage with potential voters.
The retention of these workers has proven challenging. Three anonymous canvassers informed Reuters that the compensation, starting at some contractors at as low as $20 per hour, does not justify the workload, which often involves driving significant distances in rural locales without reimbursement for fuel costs.
In Nevada, the outcome of Young’s audit remains unclear, with no information on whether it has concluded or prompted changes in America PAC’s outreach strategy. Text messages examined by Reuters reveal anxiety among managers at Nevada contractor Lone Mountain Strategies, who were compelled to dismiss canvassers caught using smartphone apps to falsify their locations and misrepresent the number of doors they had knocked on.
“Our auditors keep catching people cheating,” read one of the messages. “We’ve fired two people today and auditors are going around checking doors for flyers.”
Lone Mountain Strategies did not reply to requests for comments via email or phone. Recently, America PAC updated its website to prominently feature advertisements recruiting canvassers, stating, “Pay starts at $30 per hour, with bonuses for performance.”
