Elon Musk called to court over $1mln giveaways ahead of US election

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
31 Oct 2024 11:57

Elon Musk's problematic financial rewards to registered voters, particularly in swing states, have prompted a Philadelphia court to call the billionaire for a hearing.

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Elon Musk speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP)

Elon Musk, alongside other parties, was called to attend a court hearing in Philadelphia in light of a recent lawsuit filed against the political action committee the billionaire is in control of, aiming to stop it from awarding registered voters with one million dollars in battleground states ahead of the November 5 elections.

The Philadelphia district attorney's office filed a lawsuit on Monday, claiming that a reward by Musk’s America Pac, which supports Donald Trump, constitutes an "illegal lottery" that encourages Pennsylvania residents to divulge personal data. A judge ordered all parties to attend the hearing, which was moved to Thursday morning from Friday.

Musk is offering $1 million daily to someone who signs his online petition promoting free speech and gun rights. Legal experts are divided on whether this promotion violates federal laws against paying individuals to register to vote. Additionally, the Justice Department has warned America Pac that Musk's giveaways could violate federal regulations regarding voter registration.

Pennsylvania is considered a key swing state that could determine the fate of the elections, which have so far treaded a thin line as American society appears to be equally divided for Trump and Harris.

Democrats express their concern

Pennsylvania's Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro previously called on law enforcement to look into Elon Musk's idea to offer $1 million per day to registered voters who sign a petition supporting free speech in crucial swing states until the presidential election.

Shapiro told NBC’s Meet the Press that it was "deeply concerning" how Musk was spending money in the race, "how the dark money is flowing, not just into Pennsylvania, but apparently now into the pockets of Pennsylvanians."

Musk's effort, which has already given out two prizes in Pennsylvania, is viewed as a way to entice Trump supporters to register. Experts believe it may represent unlawful vote buying since it targets registered voters in swing states.

UCLA law professor Rick Hasen described it as "illegal vote buying," claiming that the America Pac $1 million prize draw appears to be an unlawful plan since it provided payments to registered voters.

According to CBS News, veteran Republican prosecutors have petitioned the Justice Department to look into Elon Musk's attempt to bribe voters to vote for Donald Trump.