In a recent online town hall on his social media platform, X, tech billionaire Elon Musk defended the legality of his super PAC’s daily $1 million giveaway to registered voters in swing states. This comes after the Justice Department issued a letter warning that the lottery-style contest could potentially violate federal law.
Musk emphasized that the purpose of the contest was not to incentivize voter registration but to gather support for the U.S. Constitution, particularly the First and Second Amendments. Legal experts have noted the importance of this distinction, as federal law prohibits offering payment for voter registration.
The America PAC, founded by Musk, has been giving away $1 million a day since the previous Saturday, targeting voters in seven battleground states, including Arizona and Pennsylvania. To enter, participants must sign an online petition pledging support for constitutional rights.
Additionally, the PAC is providing $100 to registered voters in Pennsylvania who sign the petition. Musk has been actively promoting voter registration through town halls, where he has repeatedly voiced his support for former President Donald Trump.
Musk, who is recognized as the world’s richest person according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has used his immense wealth to support Trump’s campaign for a return to the presidency.
He has contributed nearly $75 million to the super PAC while also campaigning in person for Trump in Pennsylvania and using his platform on X to further Trump’s political agenda. Musk characterized his involvement as a response to progressive funding, referring to himself as the “anti-Soros” in his town hall discussions.
Despite the legal ambiguities surrounding the giveaway, Musk appeared unfazed by the Justice Department’s warning. He confirmed the authenticity of the contest when questioned by a participant, dismissing skepticism about its validity.
Legal experts have pointed out that Musk’s contest operates in a gray area of election law, leading to a broader discussion about the intersection of campaign finance and free speech rights.
In addition to defending the giveaway, Musk criticized the Justice Department for its handling of various issues. He labeled the criminal prosecutions of Trump as politically motivated and expressed concern over the DOJ’s involvement in lawsuits related to immigration and voter rolls.
Musk’s comments reflect a broader discontent with the government’s priorities, as he continues to advocate for Trump’s political endeavors and engages in discussions about governance, public safety, and voter rights.