Philadelphia’s district attorney, Larry Krasner, filed a high-profile lawsuit on Monday targeting tech billionaire Elon Musk and his America PAC, alleging that Musk’s $1 million daily giveaway to registered voters amounts to an illegal lottery. The civil suit seeks to halt the controversial initiative, which promises cash prizes to participants who register their support for the U.S. Constitution—a move that’s raising eyebrows ahead of a pivotal election.
Krasner’s complaint claims the giveaway violates Pennsylvania law, which mandates that lotteries be “operated and administered by the state.” The DA’s office argues that the program is deceptive, pointing to multiple winners allegedly tied to Trump rallies in Pennsylvania, despite Musk’s assurance that the selection process is random. According to the lawsuit, Musk’s campaign is enticing participants to hand over personal information and make a political pledge under the guise of a lottery—a scheme Krasner insists is “indisputably unlawful.”
BREAKING: Virginia asks Supreme Court for stay of court order to halt voter purge. pic.twitter.com/bZ0d0ChxYG
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) October 28, 2024
Musk’s America PAC, which backs former President Donald Trump, has received more than $118 million from the billionaire, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The giveaway offers $1 million per day to a registered voter who signs a petition affirming support for the Constitution, focusing on swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. While Musk frames the campaign as a civic initiative, critics argue it flirts dangerously close to vote-buying.
The U.S. Justice Department has reportedly warned Musk’s PAC that the daily giveaway may breach federal laws prohibiting the exchange of money or valuables for voter registration or election influence. Attorney General Merrick Garland has been pressed by former officials to investigate the initiative, and the DOJ’s election crimes unit has already issued a warning to Musk’s legal team. Meanwhile, Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz has condemned the campaign, citing concerns over legality and fairness.
Despite mounting legal challenges, Musk’s PAC has pressed forward, announcing winners from Michigan and Wisconsin in the past week. No winner was announced on Wednesday, possibly signaling caution after the DOJ’s letter, but the initiative remains active. The lawsuit, however, raises critical questions about the intersection of wealth, influence, and politics, especially in battleground states where razor-thin margins could determine the election’s outcome.
