A Dark-Money Campaign Is Paying Influencers to Frame Chinese AI as a Threat
A dark-money group called Build American AI is funding a social media campaign that pays influencers to promote U.S. AI development while framing China's AI advancements as a threat to American safety and jobs. The campaign, linked to a super PAC supported by tech executives from firms like OpenAI and Palantir, uses lifestyle influencers to subtly shift public opinion through emotionally charged messaging. While some influencers have raised concerns about the blend of pro-AI advocacy and anti-China rhetoric, the campaign continues to expand across platforms.
- ▪Build American AI, a dark-money nonprofit, is funding influencers to promote American AI and stoke fears about China's technological rise.
- ▪The campaign is run by SM4, an influencer marketing agency, with offers of up to $5,000 per TikTok video to push anti-China AI narratives.
- ▪Supporters of the linked super PAC, Leading the Future, include Greg Brockman of OpenAI and Joe Lonsdale of Palantir, though OpenAI and Palantir say they have not funded the groups.
- ▪Influencers received sample messaging claiming China could take Americans' personal data and jobs if it wins the AI race.
- ▪Leading the Future reports $140 million in total contributions and commitments, with $51 million available to spend as of April 2026.
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Taylor LorenzBusinessMay 1, 2026 4:25 PMA Dark-Money Campaign Is Paying Influencers to Frame Chinese AI as a ThreatBuild American AI, a nonprofit linked to a super PAC bankrolled by executives at OpenAI and Andreessen Horowitz, is funding a campaign to spread pro-AI messaging and stoke fears about China.Photo-Illustration: WIRED Staff; Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyIn an Instagram video posted on April 1, lifestyle influencer Melissa Strahle poses outdoors before an American flag as soft instrumental music plays. “AI lets me focus on what matters most,” she tells her 1.4 million followers.
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