Recent reports reveal troubling practices by Elon Musk’s America PAC, particularly concerning its canvassing efforts for Donald Trump. Workers for the PAC have shared alarming details about their experiences, indicating they were misled about their roles and treated poorly while trying to boost Republican voter turnout.
Deception in Canvassing
Musk’s America PAC has come under scrutiny following its poorly executed door-knocking campaign. A recent article by Wired highlights the extent of the deception faced by workers on the ground, particularly in Michigan. Many paid canvassers were unaware they were working to promote Trump’s campaign until after they had signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). One worker stated, “After I signed over an NDA, that’s when I found out we are for Republicans and with Trump.”
Poor Working Conditions
The working conditions for these canvassers were far from ideal. The PAC contracted Blitz Canvassing to organize the efforts, but reports indicate that workers, predominantly from Black communities, were transported in U-Haul vans lacking proper seating or seatbelts. One canvasser expressed embarrassment, stating, “We were all told our transportation would be handled and we’d be in rental cars. It turned out to be U-Haul vans, and I felt embarrassed and played.”
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Unrealistic Expectations and Threats
The expectations placed on these workers were unreasonably high. Canvassers were required to maintain an engagement rate of 17-22%—a standard that many deemed unrealistic. This rate largely depends on how many residents are home and willing to answer their doors, factors outside the canvassers’ control. Those who failed to meet this standard faced financial repercussions, including threats of having to pay for their own motel rooms if they didn’t knock on more than 1,000 doors within a week. A manager’s recorded warning stated, “What’s gonna happen is, they’re gonna stop paying for these rooms. And then you’re gonna end up having to pay for it yourself.”
Systematic Mistreatment
The issues faced by canvassers are indicative of a broader pattern of Musk’s treatment of workers. His companies have a history of labor law violations and intimidation against those who attempt to organize for better working conditions. Despite these alarming reports, America PAC continues to recruit canvassers, raising concerns about the ongoing exploitation of workers in political campaigns.
