Elon Musk PAC/ $1 million giveaway/ election law/ Trump 2024/ voter registration/ political action committee/ Newslooks/ Washington/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Elon Musk has pledged $1 million a day to voters who sign a political action committee (PAC) petition supporting constitutional rights. Some election experts warn the move may violate election laws, as participation requires voter registration. The controversy comes as Musk ramps up support for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign in key battleground states.
Musk’s $1 Million PAC Giveaway: Quick Looks
- Elon Musk is offering $1 million a day to voters who sign his PAC petition backing the First and Second Amendments.
- The offer raises legal concerns, as it requires participants to be registered voters, which could violate election law.
- Democratic leaders, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, have expressed concerns over the legality and influence of Musk’s PAC.
Musk Faces Legal Questions Over $1M Giveaway Linked to PAC Petition
Deep Look:
Billionaire Elon Musk has found himself at the center of a political controversy as he promises to give away $1 million a day to voters who sign a petition backing the U.S. Constitution. The giveaway is part of Musk’s efforts to rally support for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, with Musk’s political action committee (PAC) focusing on battleground states like Pennsylvania. However, legal experts and Democratic leaders are raising alarms about the legality of this move.
On Saturday, during an event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Musk awarded a check to a man named John Dreher for signing the PAC petition, with more checks expected to follow in the coming days. The petition emphasizes the First Amendment’s protection of free speech and the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms. According to Musk, the giveaway will continue until the November 5 election, with one million dollars distributed each day to signers of the PAC petition who are also registered voters.
Legal Concerns and Election Law Warnings
While Musk’s campaign has garnered attention, it has also attracted legal scrutiny. Some election law experts argue that linking cash giveaways to voter registration may violate federal election laws. Brendan Fischer, a campaign finance attorney, warned that requiring participants to be registered voters to qualify for the $1 million check pushes the boundaries of legality. “Conditioning the payments on registration arguably violates the law,” Fischer said in an email.
Rick Hasen, a professor of law and political science at UCLA, echoed similar concerns. He cited a law that prohibits paying people to register to vote or cast a vote, explaining that Musk’s scheme might cross that line. “The problem is that the only people eligible to participate in this giveaway are the people who are registered to vote,” Hasen noted. “And that makes it illegal.”
Election law expert Michael Kang also questioned the timing and purpose of the giveaway so close to Election Day. He pointed out that while it is not directly paying people to vote, it comes close enough to spark concern about legality.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also weighed in on the controversy, raising concerns about the influence of “dark money” in the race. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Shapiro remarked, “There are real questions with how he is spending money in this race, and it’s concerning how that money is now flowing into the pockets of Pennsylvanians.”
Musk’s America PAC in Focus
Musk’s PAC, called America PAC, has been actively promoting Trump’s campaign, particularly in critical battleground states like Pennsylvania. The PAC’s efforts to mobilize voters include the $1 million-a-day giveaway as well as smaller cash incentives, such as offering $47 and $100 for referrals to sign the petition.
While Trump has acknowledged his friendship with Musk, he distanced himself from the giveaway, saying, “I haven’t followed that,” when asked about the PAC’s offer. However, Trump praised Musk, calling him “great for the country.”
The America PAC has also been conducting tours in other swing states, aiming to register voters and rally support for Trump. These efforts have only intensified as the election draws closer, with early voting already underway in several key states.
Is Coordination Legal?
Campaigns and super PACs are traditionally prohibited from coordinating directly. However, recent changes by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) have relaxed some rules, particularly for efforts to encourage voter turnout. The legal gray area surrounding these changes adds another layer of complexity to Musk’s $1 million giveaway, as his PAC operates alongside Trump’s campaign.
Despite the questions surrounding its legality, the America PAC has yet to respond to inquiries about the giveaway. The Justice Department has also been asked for comment, but no official response has been issued as of Sunday.
