A political action committee (PAC) funded by billionaire Elon Musk to support the re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump is facing challenges in key swing states as it races to meet voter outreach goals. The PAC, known as America PAC, has struggled to meet its targets for door-to-door canvassing in battleground states like Wisconsin and Nevada, according to individuals involved in the campaign. There are also allegations that some canvassers may have inflated their voter contact numbers.
America PAC, which plays a crucial role in Trump’s bid to regain the White House, has set ambitious goals for contacting voters in these pivotal states. However, internal reports suggest the group is falling behind. In Wisconsin, for instance, the PAC aimed to contact 450,000 voters by Election Day, but a recorded meeting reviewed by Reuters shows managers warning canvassers that they were falling short of this target. “We’re not going to hit 450,000, not with what we’ve got now,” a manager told canvassers on Oct. 8.
One of the canvassers, Alysia McMillan, who worked for two local contractors hired by America PAC, voiced her concerns about the shortfall. She noted that the group’s failure to meet its outreach goals could negatively impact Trump’s chances in the election. “If this isn’t looked into in a timely manner, this can result in a waste of time and money and risk President Trump winning the election,” McMillan said. She had previously been fired by one contractor after a pay dispute but was later rehired by another.
In addition to these shortfalls, the PAC is reportedly investigating allegations that some canvassers in Nevada have falsified the number of voters they claimed to have contacted. Chris Young, an aide to Musk and a seasoned Republican operative, traveled to Nevada to audit the situation. According to sources familiar with the operation, some canvassers had allegedly manipulated smartphone apps to disguise their locations and inflate their doorknocking tallies.
Despite these issues, a person close to America PAC’s operations contested McMillan’s claims, insisting that the group remains on track to meet its overall outreach goals. The source noted that it is common for senior operatives to visit field offices to monitor performance and ensure accuracy in reporting. Young and the PAC did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.
America PAC’s strategy has centered on reaching “low propensity voters”—individuals who may lean toward Trump but are unlikely to vote unless actively engaged. Canvassers are tasked with going door-to-door in battleground states to persuade these voters to cast their ballots. These states are critical to Trump’s re-election bid, and even a small increase in turnout could sway the election in his favor or in favor of his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite the significant financial backing from Musk, who has reportedly contributed at least $75 million to the PAC, the group has faced operational challenges. Some canvassers have been difficult to retain, with several workers citing low pay and the high cost of travel in remote areas as reasons for their dissatisfaction. One canvasser told Reuters that pay rates at some contractors start as low as $20 per hour, and workers are often not reimbursed for gasoline.
In Nevada, text messages reviewed by Reuters reveal concerns among managers at one contractor, Lone Mountain Strategies, about canvassers using dishonest tactics. “Our auditors keep catching people cheating,” read one message. “We’ve fired two people today and auditors are going around checking doors for flyers.” The contractor did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
As the election nears, America PAC has taken steps to address these issues, including updating its website to offer higher pay and bonuses for performance. The new advertisement states, “Pay starts at $30 per hour, with bonuses for performance.” This adjustment reflects the PAC’s urgency to meet its outreach targets and avoid further setbacks.
With less than two weeks to go before the Nov. 5 election, the PAC’s efforts remain under scrutiny. Both Trump’s campaign and Musk’s backing have been critical to the PAC’s mission, but operational difficulties and potential misconduct among canvassers could hinder its effectiveness in mobilizing voters in crucial states. The stakes are high, as a close race between Trump and Harris means that every vote counts in determining the outcome of the 2024 election.
