The Philadelphia District Attorney has initiated legal action aimed at stopping Elon Musk’s $1 million giveaway that is part of his political group’s campaign to support Donald Trump’s presidential bid.
Democratic District Attorney Larry Krasner has filed this lawsuit as the first measure against the America PAC’s controversial sweepstakes, which promises to award $1 million each day until November 5 to individuals in swing states who have endorsed a petition emphasizing their commitment to the Constitution.
Krasner’s office has indicated that the lawsuit, which comes just over a week before the upcoming elections, might not rule out future criminal proceedings. According to a statement from Krasner’s office, “The Philadelphia District Attorney has the responsibility to safeguard the public against nuisances and unfair business practices, including illegal lottery systems. Additionally, the DA is charged with maintaining the integrity of elections.”
When approached for comments regarding the lawsuit and the continuation of the cash giveaways, a representative from Musk’s America PAC responded with a link to a social media post depicting the latest winner celebrating with their oversized check.
Questions regarding Krasner’s lawsuit, particularly whether it would force Musk to halt the giveaways immediately or if a resolution could be reached before Election Day, has yet to receive a reply from his office.
As the election date nears, both Vice President Harris and Donald Trump have been actively campaigning in Pennsylvania, a crucial state in the election. This includes Trump’s recent photo opportunity at a McDonald’s in the suburbs of Philadelphia, as well as Harris’ visit that included stops at local community spots such as a church and a barbershop.
Entrants in Musk’s promotion are required to sign a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments and must agree to act as representatives for the organization if they win the prize. Despite legal experts raising concerns about the potential violations of federal election laws that prohibit paying individuals to vote or register to vote, Musk has positioned the financial awards as compensation for services rendered as a spokesperson.
Krasner has classified the $1 million giveaway in his lawsuit as a “lottery,” which subjects it to stricter regulations than it would face if merely considered a prize or compensation for work.
While the lawsuit is filed in Pennsylvania, it does not extend its jurisdiction to other swing states where eligible participants reside. Musk, who is well-known for founding companies like SpaceX and Tesla, has dedicated significant support to Trump this election cycle, claiming that the future of civilization is at stake with Trump’s potential loss. He is heavily involved in the get-out-the-vote efforts for Trump through his super PAC, which is permitted to collect and spend unlimited funds. Reports indicate that he has pledged upwards of $70 million to this super PAC to bolster Trump and other Republican candidates ahead of the elections in November.
