Philadelphia Files Lawsuit to Block Musk’s $1 Million Daily Giveaway to Trump Supporters
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has initiated legal action to halt a controversial $1 million daily giveaway orchestrated by billionaire Elon Musk, aimed at supporters of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. The lawsuit, filed by District Attorney Larry Krasner, describes the initiative as an “illegal lottery” and comes just days before the crucial November 5 election in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.
Musk’s Political Action Committee (PAC) has been running a sweepstakes offering $1 million every day until election day to individuals who sign a petition advocating for the constitutional rights to free speech and gun ownership. To participate, contestants must be registered voters in significant swing states, including Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin.
Election law experts have raised concerns that this sweepstakes could violate federal law prohibiting payments to individuals for voting or registering to vote. Krasner’s office emphasized its responsibility to protect the public from illegal lotteries and to maintain the integrity of elections.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has a net worth of approximately $274.4 billion, making him the world’s richest person. His close ties to Trump have included campaign appearances and a promise from Trump to offer him a role in his administration if he wins.
Musk launched the sweepstakes during a Trump rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on October 19, expressing his goal of signing up over one million voters in battleground states. Participants in Pennsylvania receive $100 for signing the petition and an additional $100 for each referral, while those in other states receive $47 per referral.
However, the Justice Department has warned Musk that the lottery-style contest could be unlawful, reiterating that any payment for registering or voting constitutes a federal crime. Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro has described Musk’s initiative as “deeply concerning,” suggesting it warrants law enforcement scrutiny.
In addition to the legal challenges, President Joe Biden has criticized Musk regarding immigration issues, claiming that Musk worked illegally in the U.S. on a student visa. Musk has denied these allegations, asserting he was allowed to work in the U.S. and calling Biden’s claims false.
As this situation unfolds, the legality and ethical implications of Musk’s giveaway continue to raise significant questions in the political arena, particularly as the election approaches.
