Israel Spends $50 Million on AI-Driven Text Campaign to Influence US Public Opinion

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal published overnight between July 25 and 26, Israel invested approximately $50 million in sending millions of text messages to American citizens as part of an influence operation targeting the US public. The campaign aimed to maintain US support for Israel and prevent young conservative Trump supporters from distancing themselves from pro-Israel views.

The messages, sent under names like "Emma" or "Sarah" from a group called Friends for Peace, included AI-generated content and were part of a broader strategy involving conservative media and influencers. One example message asked, "How do you think US-Israel peace talks with Iran will affect global security?" The campaign primarily targeted conservative Americans, many of whom support former President Donald Trump.

The operation was conducted by a company linked to Brad Parscale, a longtime Trump advisor, and was funded by Israel. Recent polls cited by the Journal indicate that about 60% of Americans hold negative views of Israel due to its war in Gaza, prompting the campaign. Earlier reports from Time magazine revealed that Parscale was hired to run a digital campaign officially aimed at combating antisemitism but also designed to keep young conservative Americans supportive of Israel.

Parscale was tasked with producing 100 original content pieces monthly, with at least 80% targeting Generation Z on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and podcasts. Influencers received suggested post texts via private chat groups and were paid based on engagement. Parscale acknowledged the campaign’s goal to prevent young conservatives from drifting away from Israel but denied any role in shifting opinion against Trump’s objectives.

A senior Trump administration official monitoring social media reactions to the US-Iran memorandum noted that prominent MAGA influencers sharply criticized the deal online, sharing similar posts almost simultaneously. Recently, US Vice President JD hinted on Joe Rogan’s podcast that Israel paid influencers to attack the Iran deal, stating, "We have clear evidence that influencers in America are being paid to oppose the deal."