Elon Musk's PAC launches $1 million ad campaign supporting Donald Trump's early presidency

Billionaire Elon Musk's political action committee, America PAC, has launched its first national television ad campaign in favour of President Donald Trump's early weeks in the White House. The 60-second advertisement aired nationwide, including in Washington, D.C., just hours after Trump’s speech to Congress.

The commercial begins by taking a swipe at former President Joe Biden, showing footage of him tripping while boarding Air Force One. A voiceover states, "After four long years of humiliation, of failure at home and embarrassment abroad, our long national nightmare is finally over."

The ad then touts Trump's initial successes saying, "lowest level of illegal immigration in history." The ad reflects much of what Trump said in his speech, emphasizing his administration's efforts at immigration restraint.

Musk, who has invested approximately $250 million in Trump's 2024 campaign, has been instrumental in reducing federal spending. As head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he has led moves to downsize government programs, laying off federal workers, and selling government buildings. His aim is to reduce federal bureaucracy and close what he considers unnecessary agencies.

Role of America PAC

America PAC was instrumental in supporting Trump in the election. Musk has indicated that the organization will continue its efforts. In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), he stated:

"Normally, PACs go somewhat dormant after a big election. @AmericaPAC is going to do the opposite and keep grinding, increasing Republican registrations in key districts around the country, in preparation for special elections and the midterms."

Although Musk has been making concerted efforts, critics say his actions are not properly approved by congress. Some legislators say that DOGE is working without transparency and making politically driven cuts. Others fear that the department has accessed sensitive government information unnecessarily.

Although the America PAC ad does not mention Musk or DOGE by name, it references their objectives, stating: "He's draining the swamp, slashing billions in waste at home, while closing the spigot of American tax dollars to foreign regimes."

Mixed reactions from Congress

Musk attended Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday and received a shoutout from the president, along with a standing ovation from Republican lawmakers. However, not everyone is on board with his efforts.

Senator Elissa Slotkin, who delivered the Democratic response to Trump’s speech, criticized Musk’s leadership at DOGE. She argued that the agency’s aggressive budget cuts could weaken essential government services.