Build American AI, a dark-money group tied to the Leading the Future super PAC, is paying TikTok influencers to push anti-China narratives about artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States. The super PAC, backed by leading tech figures including those connected to OpenAI and Palantir, has deployed a two-phase social media campaign to shape public opinion on AI development [1].
The campaign's first phase promotes US AI innovation positively through lifestyle influencers. The second phase shifts to framing China's AI progress as a threat to American jobs and personal data security. Marketing agencies working for Build American AI offer influencers up to $5,000 per TikTok video to amplify warnings that China’s AI advancements could endanger US economic and data interests [1].
Sample messaging provided to influencers includes claims that China’s efforts to surpass the US in AI risk American jobs and personal data privacy, while urging audiences to support US leadership in AI. An unnamed staffer from one marketing firm said, "They want a push to mention China and America and why beating China is so important" [1].
Some influencers have declined to participate due to discomfort with mixing positive AI messaging and aggressive anti-China framing. Noted Instagram ecologist Josh Murphy, with 130,000 followers, told reporters that "AI can absolutely be utilized for the betterment of humanity," indicating a more balanced view [1].
A notable influencer involved, Melissa Strahle, who has 1.4 million Instagram followers, posted a video on April 1 promoting American-made AI funded by Build American AI without disclosing the group's sponsorship [1].
Leading the Future, the super PAC linked to Build American AI, reportedly controls $100 million in funds from key players in the technology industry to drive this messaging campaign [1].
The campaign is ongoing, with further influencer content expected in the coming weeks under the two-phase strategy targeting US audiences.
