Elon Musk's pledge to give away $1 million daily to registered voters has sparked significant controversy and concerns about legality. The tech billionaire announced the giveaway at a campaign event in Pennsylvania while stumping for former President Donald Trump, immediately drawing scrutiny from legal experts and calls for a formal investigation. The sweepstakes, according to experts, could violate federal election laws, raising questions about Musk's role in influencing voter turnout in critical battleground states.
Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter) and Tesla CEO, made the announcement on Saturday, stating his intent to boost support for the First and Second Amendments through a petition launched by his political action committee. Speaking to the crowd in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Musk said, "We are going to be awarding $1 million randomly to people who have signed the petition, every day, from now until the election." The petition affirms support for free speech and the right to bear arms, and eligibility is limited to registered voters in key states including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
The timing and nature of the giveaway have raised alarms among election law experts and public officials. Federal law prohibits paying individuals for voting or registering to vote, an offense punishable by up to five years in prison. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, called Musk's plan "deeply concerning" and suggested it was worth law enforcement scrutiny. Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," Shapiro remarked, "It's something that law enforcement could take a look at."
Derek Muller, an election law expert at Notre Dame Law School, echoed these concerns, pointing out that limiting the giveaway to registered voters could create potential legal issues. "By limiting a giveaway only to registered voters, it looks like you're giving cash for voter registration," Muller said, emphasizing the bribery risks associated with the sweepstakes. Muller added that offering money to individuals who register after the prize was announced is especially problematic under federal law.
Musk's campaign activities have included a series of events across Pennsylvania, promoting the petition and encouraging voter registration among Trump supporters. During these events, Musk has given away million-dollar checks onstage, awarding the first prize to a Trump supporter in Harrisburg and the second to an attendee at a Pittsburgh event. "This is a one-time ask," Musk told supporters, urging them to encourage friends and family to register and vote.
The legality of the giveaway has been a central focus of experts who argue that Musk's actions may constitute illegal vote-buying. David Becker, a former Justice Department official who now heads the Center for Election Innovation & Research, stated, "This isn't a particularly close case - this is exactly what the statute was designed to criminalize." Becker highlighted that the targeted nature of the giveaway, specifically in seven battleground states, appears aimed at influencing the outcome of the election.
The situation has also drawn the ire of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who criticized Musk for spreading "dangerous disinformation" regarding the integrity of voter rolls. Benson's comments followed Musk's claims about voter numbers exceeding the number of citizens in Michigan, which she called misleading.
Rick Hasen, an election law expert at UCLA, added his voice to the criticism, labeling Musk's actions as "clearly illegal vote-buying" in a blog post. He cited the Justice Department's election crimes manual, which explicitly prohibits inducements designed to encourage voter registration or turnout, such as lottery chances or cash prizes. Hasen's perspective aligns with other experts who believe Musk's giveaway falls squarely within the scope of illegal election activities.
Musk's America PAC, a political action group set up to support Trump's presidential campaign, has become a significant part of Trump's bid for the White House. Federal disclosures indicate that Musk has contributed over $75 million to America PAC, making it a vital asset for Trump's re-election strategy. The PAC has been actively working to mobilize voters in battleground states, but recent reports suggest that the group is struggling to meet its voter registration goals.
The giveaway also includes smaller financial incentives, such as $100 for each registered Pennsylvania voter who signs the petition and an additional $100 for referrals. These incentives are seen by many experts as potentially violating federal laws against paying people to vote or register. The petition itself emphasizes support for the First and Second Amendments, but critics argue that the monetary inducements overshadow its stated mission.
