At a raucous election-night gathering on Tuesday, Elon Musk sat just two seats away from former President Donald Trump, ready to claim credit for the Republican candidate’s decisive win. “My America PAC massively improved the Republican ground game in the swing states,” Musk told conservative commentator Tucker Carlson during an interview at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida residence.
Musk’s victory lap marked the culmination of a high-risk, high-reward strategy that saw the tech billionaire use his immense wealth and influence to spearhead Trump’s voter turnout operation in key battleground states. In an unprecedented move, Musk’s new super PAC effectively took control of a critical aspect of the Trump campaign — the ground game. This collaboration between Musk and Trump has not only raised eyebrows but could also reshape the landscape of American politics, where ultrawealthy donors now play an even more central role in election outcomes.
The super PAC, which Musk almost single-handedly funded, spent over $175 million in its effort to turn out voters for Trump. The initiative was an ambitious operation that saw canvassers knocking on nearly 11 million doors across battleground states, including 1.8 million in Michigan and 2.3 million in Pennsylvania. Additionally, $30 million was allocated to direct mail campaigns, and $22 million was invested in digital ads on platforms like Barstool Sports, which aligns with Trump’s media base.
Musk’s initial goal was to engage “low-propensity” voters — individuals in rural areas with inconsistent voting histories who were seen as potential Trump supporters. While it remains unclear whether this targeted outreach succeeded, Trump’s campaign boasted significant gains in rural areas, which had been a primary focus for Musk’s team.
The success of Musk’s super PAC could spark a new era in political campaigns, with more wealthy individuals stepping in to take on roles traditionally filled by official campaign teams. A new ruling by the Federal Election Commission, issued earlier this year, allows presidential campaigns to coordinate closely with super PACs on field operations. This has paved the way for outside organizations like Musk’s PAC to play an even more prominent role in shaping the outcome of elections.
“There’s no reason for campaigns to waste precious resources on field operations when outside groups have the infrastructure to get the job done,” said Ralph Reed, founder of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, whose own super PAC worked to support Trump’s candidacy. Reed’s group also ran an aggressive door-knocking campaign, reaching nearly 10 million voters.
Musk’s approach relied heavily on traditional voter turnout tactics but also pushed boundaries with new strategies. For instance, he provided “a fleet of vehicles” to transport Trump supporters, including members of the Amish community in Pennsylvania, who traditionally do not drive cars. His efforts also prioritized early and absentee voting, even as Trump had spent years railing against the practice. Musk’s team adjusted canvasser scripts to encourage these forms of voting, integrating QR codes to help voters request mail-in ballots.
However, Musk’s most controversial move came when he offered financial incentives to potential voters, including $1 million prizes for those who signed a petition supporting free speech and the Second Amendment. While this tactic garnered massive media attention, it also attracted legal challenges. Despite questions about its legality, the Justice Department has yet to take action.
Musk’s vocal support for Trump extended beyond the PAC’s operations. As the owner of X (formerly Twitter), Musk became one of Trump’s most prominent online surrogates, using his social media platform to promote Trump’s campaign and, at times, amplify misinformation about voter fraud and conspiracy theories.
While Trump’s senior campaign officials appreciated Musk’s help, there were some reservations about relying so heavily on the tech mogul. Musk received daily reports on early voting trends, and he appointed a team of political operatives to oversee field operations. One of his trusted lieutenants, Steve Davis, provided detailed feedback on canvasser scripts, helping refine the ground game in real time.
Despite some early staffing challenges, Musk’s operation quickly ramped up its efforts, deploying a sophisticated network of door-knocking firms and phone call programs aimed at reaching “mid-propensity” voters in the final days of the election.
Trump’s victory speech on election night reflected his admiration for Musk’s role in the campaign. “A star is born — Elon!” Trump exclaimed, recounting Musk’s business accomplishments and his significant influence on the race.
As Musk’s plane touched down near Mar-a-Lago, he shared his plans for the future. Speaking via an X livestream, he announced that his super PAC, America PAC, would continue its efforts in future judicial races and the 2026 midterms. “We’re going to keep going after this election,” Musk said, signaling his intention to remain a major player in American politics.
Musk’s involvement in Trump’s election is likely to serve as a model for other wealthy donors looking to wield greater influence over political campaigns. As the lines between political action committees and official campaigns blur, the future of electioneering in the U.S. may never be the same.
