Russia used Facebook’s ad targeting system to help Donald Trump carry both Wisconsin and Michigan.
According to CNN, “A number of Russian-linked Facebook ads specifically targeted Michigan and Wisconsin, two states crucial to Donald Trump’s victory last November, according to four sources with direct knowledge of the situation. Some of the Russian ads appeared highly sophisticated in their targeting of key demographic groups in areas of the states that turned out to be pivotal, two of the sources said. The ads employed a series of divisive messages aimed at breaking through the clutter of campaign ads online, including promoting anti-Muslim messages, sources said.”
Trump won Wisconsin and Michigan by a combined 33,400 votes. With the Russians running targeted advertising for Trump in key swing states, a picture is beginning to take shape of how the Russians may have been able to collude with the Trump campaign to swing the election. It is already known that Russia used Facebook to organize rallies for Trump in Florida and Pennsylvania, add the advertising in Wisconsin and Michigan to the mix and Trump’s surprise victory begins to look less surprising.
The Russians interfered in the election. There is only one piece of information missing. Who inside the Trump campaign was working with Russia to exchange data to help with the voter targeting? Jared Kushner was responsible for the campaign’s data operation, so any questions about who worked with the Russians should begin with President’s son in law and right-hand man.
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Each new puzzle piece that snaps into place is another step toward Trump impeachment.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
