A controversial "Progress 2028" manifesto, posing as a progressive platform from Vice President Kamala Harris, has been exposed as a misleading fake document reportedly funded by conservative dark money groups with links to Elon Musk, according to a report from the watchdog group Open Secrets.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1774}">What is Progress 2028?</h2>

Progress 2028, which presents itself as a liberal vision for America, is allegedly part of an initiative by Building America's Future, a conservative dark money network which reportedly has backing from Musk.&nbsp;

The faux manifesto has been amplified by targeted Facebook ads distorting Harris's policy views on issues such as immigration, healthcare, and gun control.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-blasts-speaker-johnson-for-chips-act-repeal-gaffe-says-republicans-agenda-hurts-americans-772827">Harris blasts House Speaker Johnson for CHIPS Act repeal 'gaffe'; says Republicans’ agenda hurts Americans</a>

Open Secrets, as per AFP, describes the project as a calculated effort to mislead and potentially alienate Democratic voters.&nbsp;

Anna Massoglia, a researcher with Open Secrets, remarked that the initiative "is really trying to undermine Harris by spreading divisive messages, misleading narratives under the guise of being an ally of Harris".

Examples of this strategy include claims that Harris supports a mandatory nationwide gun buyback, taxpayer-funded healthcare for "undocumented immigrants," and allowing minors to access gender-affirming care without "parental intervention" — none of which align with Harris's official policies for the 2024 election.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:394,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2084}">Voter suppression</h2>

In addition to misleading domestic audiences, the Progress 2028 campaign is also involved in targeting specific voter groups with conflicting messages, said the group.

Facebook ads that say "Drop a comment to thank Kamala," and provide a link to the Progress 2028 website reportedly promote Harris as pro-Israel to Jewish voters while presenting her as anti-Israel to Arab American voters. This tactic, as per the report could sway opinions in states with pivotal Arab American and Jewish demographics, such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:570,&quot;w&quot;:609,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2260}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theres-so-much-room-for-error-netizens-react-as-election-worker-collects-ballots-from-dropbox-772819">'So much room for error': Netizens react as US election worker collects ballots from dropbox</a>

Google data shows that the ads were paid for by the Future Coalition PAC, which, as per the Federal Election Commission, has received millions in funding from Building America's Future.

James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, in a conversation with AFP, referred to this tactic as a form of "voter suppression."

"When the same group is doing ads to two different constituencies with contradictory messaging, it's disinformation," he said.

According to the report, Progress 2028's ads remain active on Meta's platform because they don't meet the company's criteria for its inauthentic behaviour policy, said Meta in a statement to US Media.

(With inputs from agencies)

A controversial "Progress 2028" manifesto, posing as a progressive platform from Vice President Kamala Harris, has been exposed as a misleading fake document reportedly funded by conservative dark money groups with links to Elon Musk, according to a report from the watchdog group Open Secrets.

A controversial "Progress 2028" manifesto, posing as a progressive platform from Vice President Kamala Harris, has been exposed as a misleading fake document reportedly funded by conservative dark money groups with links to Elon Musk, according to a report from the watchdog group Open Secrets. What is Progress 2028? Progress 2028, which presents itself as a liberal vision for America, is allegedly part of an initiative by Building America's Future, a conservative dark money network which reportedly has backing from Musk. The faux manifesto has been amplified by targeted Facebook ads distorting Harris's policy views on issues such as immigration, healthcare, and gun control. Also read | Harris blasts House Speaker Johnson for CHIPS Act repeal 'gaffe'; says Republicans’ agenda hurts Americans Open Secrets, as per AFP, describes the project as a calculated effort to mislead and potentially alienate Democratic voters. Anna Massoglia, a researcher with Open Secrets, remarked that the initiative "is really trying to undermine Harris by spreading divisive messages, misleading narratives under the guise of being an ally of Harris". Examples of this strategy include claims that Harris supports a mandatory nationwide gun buyback, taxpayer-funded healthcare for "undocumented immigrants," and allowing minors to access gender-affirming care without "parental intervention" — none of which align with Harris's official policies for the 2024 election. Voter suppression In addition to misleading domestic audiences, the Progress 2028 campaign is also involved in targeting specific voter groups with conflicting messages, said the group. Facebook ads that say "Drop a comment to thank Kamala," and provide a link to the Progress 2028 website reportedly promote Harris as pro-Israel to Jewish voters while presenting her as anti-Israel to Arab American voters. This tactic, as per the report could sway opinions in states with pivotal Arab American and Jewish demographics, such as Michigan and Pennsylvania. Also read | 'So much room for error': Netizens react as US election worker collects ballots from dropbox Google data shows that the ads were paid for by the Future Coalition PAC, which, as per the Federal Election Commission, has received millions in funding from Building America's Future. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, in a conversation with AFP, referred to this tactic as a form of "voter suppression." "When the same group is doing ads to two different constituencies with contradictory messaging, it's disinformation," he said. According to the report, Progress 2028's ads remain active on Meta's platform because they don't meet the company's criteria for its inauthentic behaviour policy, said Meta in a statement to US Media. (With inputs from agencies)

US election sabotage? Musk-linked group behind anti-Harris disinformation, 'Progress 2028' manifesto: Report

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US election sabotage? Musk-linked group behind anti-Harris disinformation, 'Progress 2028' manifesto: Report