A Philadelphia held a hearing Thursday as the city prosecutor seeks to shut down Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day sweepstakes in battleground states. Musk’s organization, linked to America PAC, launched the sweepstakes to bolster Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Musk’s Legal Team Pushes to Move Case to Federal Court
Musk’s lawyers filed a motion late Wednesday to transfer the case to federal court, arguing that the sweepstakes is tied to a federal election issue. Despite the motion, a spokesperson for Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner confirmed that the initial hearing at City Hall will proceed as scheduled.
Judge Angelo Foglietta was presiding over the case.
Sweepstakes’ Legality Under Scrutiny
District Attorney Krasner, a Democrat, filed the suit Monday to halt the America PAC sweepstakes, which invites participants from battleground states who sign a pro-Constitution petition. Krasner has hinted that criminal charges may follow, stressing his role in protecting the public from illegal lotteries and “election interference.”
Election law experts have questioned the legality of the sweepstakes, noting that federal law prohibits paying individuals to vote.
Musk describes the payouts as both prize money and earnings for spokespersons. Krasner, however, claims the sweepstakes is an illegal lottery that misleads participants and violates Pennsylvania law.
Stakes High in Battleground Pennsylvania
As Trump and Kamala Harris battle for Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes, Musk has committed over $70 million to the America PAC, taking a direct role in Trump’s campaign. Known for his work with SpaceX, Tesla, and X, Musk has labeled the 2024 election as crucial to “civilization’s future” and has poured significant resources into his super PAC to help Trump and other Republicans gain ground in November.
