Build American AI, a nonprofit connected to OpenAI and Andreessen Horowitz executives, is paying influencers to push pro-American AI messaging. The campaign aims to highlight innovation benefits while raising concerns about Chinese AI. An Instagram video by influencer Melissa Strahle exemplifies the effort.
Lifestyle influencer Melissa Strahle posted an Instagram video on April 1, standing before an American flag. With soft instrumental music in the background, she told her 1.4 million followers: “AI lets me focus on what matters most. We need to invest in American-made AI to ensure America leads the way in innovation and job creation.” The post promotes domestic AI development for leadership in innovation and jobs. Build American AI, the nonprofit behind the video, is linked to a super PAC funded by executives at OpenAI and Andreessen Horowitz. The group is running a broader dark-money campaign that pays influencers to spread favorable views on American AI. It also seeks to frame Chinese AI as a threat, according to details reported by WIRED. This effort underscores growing tensions in the global AI race, with backers emphasizing US advantages. The campaign uses social media to reach wide audiences, blending lifestyle content with policy advocacy. No further details on the campaign's scale or additional influencers were immediately available.