Judge Clears Elon Musk’s $1 Million-A-Day Giveaway for Swing State Voters Ahead of Election Day
On Monday, a Pennsylvania state judge ruled in favor of Elon Musk’s daily $1 million giveaway to swing state voters, allowing the initiative to continue with just one day remaining before the high-stakes U.S. presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Musk, a vocal Trump supporter, launched this controversial giveaway through his political action committee (PAC), America PAC, to sway undecided voters in key battleground states.
Tesla CEO’s Giveaway Initiative Receives Judicial Approval
Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s giveaway has distributed $16 million since it began on October 19, offering $1 million daily to registered voters in swing states who qualify by signing a petition endorsing Musk’s views on free speech and gun rights. At Monday’s hearing in Philadelphia, Judge Angelo Foglietta dismissed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s bid to halt the giveaways, with Krasner contending that the payouts constituted an illegal lottery with insufficiently defined terms.
Focus on Swing States Expected to Decide the Election
The campaign targets voters in seven states predicted to play a decisive role in the election outcome: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Musk has amplified his support for Trump on his social media platform, X, actively promoting the former president’s candidacy. Federal records indicate Musk has contributed about $120 million to America PAC to support voter registration and mobilization efforts in these key states.
Legal Concerns Over Election Law Compliance
Musk’s giveaway has sparked debate among legal experts over whether it violates federal laws that prohibit payments to incentivize voter registration. Reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Justice has cautioned America PAC that the initiative might contravene federal statutes, though no formal action has been taken, leaving the legal question open amid heightened scrutiny over the campaign’s impact.
Court Battle Briefly Moves to Federal Level Before State Court Ruling
Last week, Musk and America PAC attempted to move the case to federal court, temporarily preventing a state court ruling on Krasner’s request for an injunction against the giveaways. However, the case was quickly remanded to state court, setting the stage for Monday’s decisive hearing.
Final Giveaway Set for Election Day
With Judge Foglietta’s ruling, Musk’s final $1 million giveaway is slated for Election Day, when the latest winner will be announced. This initiative has drawn significant public attention, sparking discussions about the intersection of campaign finance, voter mobilization, and election law in one of the most contentious elections in recent U.S. history.